All eighth-grade MacArthur students took the Constitution Test in their social studies class on December 14 to make sure they understood the most important parts of the U.S. system of government.  The test was housed on Canvas, similar to the Spanish placement test.

Social Studies Teacher Mr. David Chee said, “We took about a month and a half to study for the test.  The Constitution is the blueprint of our nation. It’s important to learn our rights.” 

The test was about 41 multiple choice and matching questions that included identifying and defining the amendments, Articles of Confederation, and the branches of government.  Classes had spent weeks leading into the assessment to give them the best opportunity to pass.

Eighth-grader Bryan H. said, “The hardest part of the test was where you had to choose the amendments with corresponding questions. I learned more than before.”  For Bryan, it was a challenging test.  “It took me around 25-30 minutes to finish.” 

The students who did not pass the Constitution Test were given makeup opportunities after school for two weeks.  Students were given additional practice with flashcards to master the material.  Also, they had previously seen the questions, so they could focus on portions of the test that they knew they struggled with.  

The branches of government were challenging to some students.  Eighth-grader Ryan C. said, “The hardest part of the test was how many senators there are, and it took 30 min to finish the test.”

Eighth-grader Gael S. said, “The hardest question was the amendments and trying to match it up with the corresponding question. I think I knew more after the test because it showed us the questions at the end.  It took me 15-20 minutes to finish.

According to Chee, the number of attempts students have to demonstrate their understanding has increased in recent years.  In the past, students only had one attempt, and now students are afforded four attempts, overall.