MAP Tests Replaced By End of Course Tests Friday, March 06, 2009 By Zalak Patel [ArticleImageHyperLink] Advertising For many high school students, the end of the school year is the busiest time. Between balancing school activities, grades, and thinking about  summer vacation plans, this time of year can be extremely stressful.   Another thing to worry about are the state tests you have to take every year. In the past, students took the Missouri Assesment Program (MAP) Tests, but this year the state is trying something new at the high school level. Instead of having students take the MAP Test, they have designed a new End of Course (EOC) Exam. Students will take the new test at the end of April.   "Basically, the End of Course Exam is the test replacing the MAP Test [in high schools]. Students who are in Algebra I, Language Arts II, and Biology will be tested on what they have learned in the course," explains counselor Mr.Green. Mr.Green added the EOC Exams are different because unlike the MAP Tests, they will count as a portion of the student's grade. It has yet to be decided what percent of the student's grade the test will count for.   Although there is still plenty of time to review for the test, some teachers have already begun to start practicing for the test in class.   "We're just starting. We've done practice essays so we can find the strengths and weaknesses of a student," says Language Arts Teacher Ms.Anthuis. Ms. Anthuis also said in the future her class will be doing practice tests and talking about different test formats. The test will consist of questions in grammar, main ideas from a passage, and constructive response, as well as an essay portion.   In Ms.Anthuis's LA II class, Sophomore Rebekah Adamek believes the EOC exam is important. "I think it's important to know what people are learning in class so they know what to improve on."   Algebra I Teacher Mrs.Greene also believes the test is important for students. "It's very important; this test can count towards your grade and it should be a good indicator if you've been doing well in class or not." Mrs.Greene says there will be two parts on the test, 47 multiple choice questions, and word problems. Her classes will start reviewing once the day of the test is closer.   Mr.Green agrees the test is of significant importance. "The test is designed to assess knowledge about the course. The best you can do to prepare is to do well in the course."   If you have any questions about the test, don't hesitate to ask your teacher or Mr.Green. It is important to know all you can about the End of Course Exam so you can do well on the test and in the class.

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