06: Comprehensive Test Policy

Regular testing should be given throughout each nine-week period and the semester. In addition, comprehensive tests will be given to all students in grades 5-12 according to the following guidelines:

Grades 5-6: Each nine-weeks, a comprehensive test worth only one test grade, i.e. it has no more weight than any other test.
Grades 7-8: At the end of each semester, a comprehensive test worth only one test grade.
Grades 9-12: At the end of each semester, a comprehensive semester test will be given that counts as 10% of the semester grade.

The teacher must provide thorough review opportunities, i.e. students should keep each chapter or unit test in order to review for the comprehensive test; teachers should review materials to be covered on the test in class as part of the class learning activities.

The comprehensive exams must cover curriculum objectives. Tests are not to be “just more busy work,” they are to be an assessment of the students’ retention and understanding of the course material presented. Comprehensive testing will also allow the teacher to assess whether the students are accomplishing set goals and objectives in each class.

Exams in grades 11-12 should deal more with comprehension and application of concepts rather than rote retention. Questions need to be pertinent to the objectives and not just opinions.

The teacher has full creative freedom on the type of testing done according to what method will be the best assessment of a particular class.

Comprehensive Test Exemption Policy: All students will be required to take nine weeks tests and semester exams regardless of the grade they hold in the class. This policy is instituted to prepare VLA’s students for semester exams at the college level.