As one of the most anticipated and feared events in Fresno Christian tradition, this year’s 8th graders will take the 21st annual Constitution test, Dec. 11. The test’s unit takes over a month, as students spend time with US History teacher Hallie Rojeski as she teaches them the workings of the American government.
“In order to be a good voter and citizen, they need to know about the structure of the government and why our founding fathers established our government as they did,” Rojeski said. “They will recognize the need to be an informed citizen and will be less likely to take their form of government for granted.”
Rojeski says that most of the class is prepared for the test, but there are some who are having trouble.
“A few are struggling, but the class as a whole knows the material,” Rojeski said. “One third of the students did well enough on the daily quizzes to earn extra credit.”
Two years ago, the class average was an 82% and last year’s was 76%. Rojeski says the class of 2014 will likely be somewhere in between a C+ and B-.
To prepare her students for the test, worth double the point value of an average exam, Rojeski quizzed them almost every day. Due to the large amount of information, they are required to get a binder to hold all the papers. Study sessions are available to students with Rojeski during lunch and after school.
“To prepare I am going to go to study sessions and study all night,” Sarah Lim said. “I am going to memorize my flashcards and notes from my binder.”
Some eighth graders say they are frightened to take the highly anticipated exam.
“I am scared to take the Constitution test because there is so much pressure that goes with it. It is a big part of my grade,” Rayna Endicott said.
There are others who say they are prepared, due to Rojeski’s prolific quizzing.
“I am not very scared to take the Constitution test,” Sabrina Kumar said. “If I do as well as I have with the daily quizzes I think I will do well on the test.”
Although the exam strikes fear in the hearts of many eighth graders, high schoolers say a few years’ distance adds perspective.
“When I look back, I remember thinking that the test was difficult because I was not used to studying for that big of a test.” Sydney Carlson, ’11, said. “Now as a junior I am used to long tests, so it does not seem hard.”
As a 7th grader, Jack Maddox is relieved to have one more year before taking the test.
“I am glad I’m not taking the test this year because I don’t think that I would be ready because it sounds hard,” Maddox said.
As part of the test preparation, each student is required to dress-up the day of the exam, adding a formality to the event. After the stress of the exam, the students will receive a lasagna lunch served by the parents. Rojeski says there is a symbolic importance behind the requirement.
“The dinner is considered a ‘state dinner’, and they will be sworn in as US senators,” Rojeski said. “Also, students do better when they are dressed up.”
For more information, e-mail Rojeski or read the Dec. 17, 2007 article, Constitution exam tests 8th graders. Please return to this article for more class photos.
