Tougher tests loom to graduate high school

Thursday, Oct. 30, 1997 | 11:20 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Tougher and longer examinations required for high school graduation have been field tested this month on Nevada's 11th-graders.

The state Department of Education said Wednesday these tests in reading and math reflect higher academic standards required of students. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mary Peterson said students will not just occupy a seat in the class and be able to pass these tests.

"In the future, every Nevada high school diploma holder will have to demonstrate he or she is equipped to compete in our rapidly-changing work place," she said.

Those planning to graduate in 1999 will have to pass these new tests. Scores achieved on the first go-around this month will not count. But starting in April, the test will be given again and a passing grade will be necessary in order to graduate from high school.

Juniors and seniors have five opportunities to pass the examination in order to graduate. That won't change. But the scores required will be higher in the future.

Kevin Crowe of the education department said students who now score a 50 percent on the test qualify for a high-school diploma. Those required scores will be elevated in the future.

The new test, Crowe said, has 100 to 120 multiple choice questions that require a "higher degree of thinking level." The present test has 50 multiple choice questions.

Today's seniors will continue to take the present examination to be eligible to graduate. But the class of 1999 will be required to pass the new test.

In the present system, the junior or senior, if he or she failed the examination, would take the same test over and over. But Peterson said the Legislature provided money to replace the tests each period. "This is so students will not see the exact same test more than once."

The examinations which have been field tested have been sent to the education department for grading. Crowe said the grades should be ready in January and the state Board of Education will then decide where to set the passing mark. He said the board in each of the next two years will raise the score needed to pass.

Peterson said the new tests will measure only those skills that have been required in each school curriculum for at least two years.

"Unlike previous versions of the Nevada Proficiency Examinations, these new tests will require that students demonstrate proficiency in each of the three general areas within each subject, such as knowledge of mathematical concepts and the ability to read to perform a task," Peterson said.

The reading and math tests have been upgraded but the writing test remains the same.