Duncan Middle School is in the middle of state testing, and sixth and seventh-grade students tested this week.
Eighth-graders will have twice as many tests as the sixth and seventh-grade students, who testing in math and English. Eighth-grade students will test in math, English writing and science.
Autumn Gordon, an eighth-grade math teacher, said class curriculum has worked toward preparing student for state testing.
“We don’t get to see the test, but we get to see the standards,” Gordon said. “Students are capable of doing good. I think I’m prepared for the schedule. The sixth and seventh grade should have to test over science; they don’t prepare you for the eighth-grade test.”
Eighth-grade students will testing this coming week from Monday to Thursday. Students who have electives first hour will be distributed among eighth-grade core classes because elective teachers will serve as proctors for the state tests.
Brenda Hurley. an eighth-grade English teacher, said the teachers have worked to prepare students for the test, but it will be up to the students to showcase their skills on the test.
“On the first day, there is reading and writing and there are 60 questions with only 50 counting if they are correct or not,” Hurley said. “Tuesday we start writing. We don’t know the topic until the test comes out, but we have prepared, so if you have paid attention then I wouldn’t be worried.”
This is the first time Duncan Middle School students have taken a state test in two years. Last year, statewide testing was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, schools across Oklahoma had moved to distance learning, which lasted the last quarter of the school year.
For eighth-grade students, the writing test is important because it can help determine when a student will get his or her driving permit.
