All Macarthur eighth graders students took the Constitution test in their social studies classes from November 8 to the 30.  The eighth graders took this test in order to show that they understand the basics of the government.

Accord to Social Studies Teacher Mr. David Chee, the eighth graders took two parts of the Constitution Test: a multiple choice section, and a writing portion.  For the multiple choice students had to score 60 percent and higher to pass and for writing, students must score a 2 or better on the writing rubric.  This test is designed to assess the basic knowledge of the U.S. government, and it mirrors the rigors of high school tests, too.

For example, many other tests have multiple choice and essays, such as the S.A.T. and A.C.T.  Therefore, the Constiution test is seen as a key in promoting from middle school.

Eighth-grader Raul Ramirez felt as if the Constitution should continue to be taken in the future years, but teachers should not put as much pressure on students.  Raul said, “This will help me in the future with my stress for other bigger test like in high school.  The test was pretty hard, but failure is never the answer.”

From another student’s perspective, Cullen Powers said, “Yes, my history teacher had told us it’s was multiple choice.”  Cullen prepared for the test by talking to his history teacher, and he had reviewed the questions that were going to be on the test for a few days.  

Cullen also said he didn’t know what he was expecting, as far as the difficulty of the test.  Cullen said he “always works hard and never gives up”.

Chee said, “It helps understand the what and the why of the Constitution.”