Our testing philosophy:

• All students can be successful on rigorous objective tests when the instruction is appropriate, the expectations are consistent and the support systems are in place.
• With the emphasis on testing: quarterly countywide tests, impending exit tests for subject areas, AP exams, FCAT and college entrance exams students need to become more effective test takers.
• Allowing students to use notes, books on tests, or curving the results does not assist students in developing the skills required to become effective testers.

BCHS Earth Science Classes employ unique process to mold students for increasing success on tests. Every earth science test will be given to all students on the same day regardless of instructor. The tests are identical in each class and there are four versions of each test to discourage the sharing or memorization of test items. Students will take every test without the aid of notes or books and the tests will not be curved.

Students scoring at 70% or better on the initial test will report to Mr. Yeazell for an enhancement activity that relates to class. (could be a related film, outside activity or computer lab time for extra credit) Students scoring 69% or below report to Mr. Mason for an intensive review and retest on the following day.

Having the retest during school hours guarantees every student the opportunity to take every test twice during school hours and our data, over the past two years, indicates that over 80% of our students taking the retest improve their scores.

If the student is still not successful on the second test they are afforded the opportunity to attend after school study sessions and then the test is offered one more time, after school, during the following week.

All of our test data will be recorded and shared on the web site so that students, parents and administrators can see the results of our efforts and objectively measure the improvement of our students.