Testing
Like every Ohio student, GOVS students complete required testing. Some tests are taken at home, others in person at secure sites. Here's what's required, where you'll test, and how it gets scheduled.
Know the two types of tests you'll take
GOVS testing falls into two buckets:
STAR assessments
Used to measure your reading and math levels. Students take these twice a year - once within the first few weeks of starting, and again at least 13 weeks later.
State tests
The required Ohio assessments, including end-of-course exams, the ACT for 11th graders, and English language proficiency testing where applicable. These are taken in person at secure, proctored sites.
All GOVS students must take two STAR tests during the year.
The first round of STAR Testing (there is a reading test & a math test) must be completed within 20 days of a student's first day of school with GOVS.
The second round of STAR testing will be completed approximately 16 weeks after Round #1. Students will be contacted by Dr. Greg Finke to alert them.
All STAR signups are located within GOVS SUCCESS B (in your VLA course list).
The main testing location is at the new GOVS Student Center in Franklin, OH (24 W. 1st Street, Franklin, Ohio 45005). Follow the green GOVS signs and you will find us.
As with previous testing, if you live >50 miles away from the testing location (aka the Student Center), you will be able to indicate that on the testing signup. Someone will reach out to you with next steps.
The State of Ohio requires high school students to take end-of-course (EOC) tests in order to meet requirements for a high school diploma. To receive a diploma, a student must:
- earn a minimum of 18 graduation points, OR
- due to recent state legislation, show
- competency on the Algebra I and ELA II tests; and
- proficiency in Biology, American History, and American Government
Every student should do the following:
- Determine which test(s) you need to take this session,
- Sign-up for a test session for each test you need to take, and
- Review for the tests.
(1) What tests do you have to take?
Every GOVS student who needs to test will receive a message. The message will go out via text, email, and a phone message. We send it to the parent/guardian phone numbers, as well as their email address(es).
The message went to each student's @mygovs.com gmail account.
To see which test(s) you should take, please check that message.
Your student's Academic Coach/Intervention Specialist also has that information.
(2) Sign-up for a date & time to take your tests.
Students MUST SIGN-UP FOR A TESTING SESSION.
This will ensure that we have enough space for all students who need to test.
Students can take ONE TEST per session. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before the session begins for registration, and please bring an ID for testing!
Click this link to sign-up for a test session (remember, one session per test):
ALL local GOVS Testing will occur at the GOVS Student Center (24 W. 1st Street, Franklin, Ohio 45005). This is the same location where all STAR testing & the ACT testing was.
There are driving directions & other site procedures available on the above linked signup page.
(3) Review for your state tests.
Please contact your academic coach to determine which test(s) you need to take, and after you sign-up for a test session, you should do some reviewing for the tests.
There are two ways you can review on your own:
Option #1: Practice Tests
CLICK HERE to view and download the practice tests.
Option #2: Ohio Means Jobs Remediation
CLICK HERE to access the website. Choose the blue Access Learning Express Anonymously button on the top of the page. Hit Continue. When the OMJ Assessment and Training Center page opens, scroll down to School Center and you will find different skills improvement practice.
If you would like some general/misc. test prep, CLICK HERE.
In addition to fulfilling curriculum requirements and meeting the competency requirements, students also must show they are prepared for their next steps after high school. State law created 12 diploma seals for students to demonstrate academic, technical and professional readiness for careers, college, the military or self-sustaining professions.
Each seal allows students to demonstrate knowledge and skills essential for future success in their chosen post-high school paths. Students will demonstrate readiness by earning at least two diploma seals, one of which must be state defined.
GOVS students that do not score at least a 684 on their ELA 2 exam and/or their Algebra 1 exam are required to take a Graduation Pathway and complete the Ohio Means Jobs form to earn a seal.
Each student is required to earn 12 points from industry recognized credentials that have been approved by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.
The 12-point pathways are completed through various online training courses, preferably based upon student interest, but could be assigned based upon need. This training is of no cost to the student, unless multiples retests are required for passage.
There are various Pathways GOVS Students can choose. You need to select ONE.
Students must also work with at least three experienced and trusted mentors who validate the demonstration of these skills in school, work or the community. This is documented on the Ohio Means Jobs form.
More detailed information on the various seals can be found here: https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Ohio-s-Graduation-Requirements/Ohio%E2%80%99s-Graduation-Requirements/Graduation-Seals
Take your state tests at the Franklin Student Center
State tests can't be taken at home - they're given in person at secure locations. For GOVS, local testing takes place at the GOVS Student Center in Franklin (24 W. 1st Street, Franklin, OH 45005), the same site used for at-home assessment makeups and the ACT.
If you live more than 50 miles from the Student Center, let us know on your testing signup and we'll reach out with other arrangements.
Meet Ohio's testing requirements for your diploma
End-of-course state tests are part of earning an Ohio diploma. Students meet the requirement either by reaching the required number of graduation points or through Ohio's competency pathway in key subject areas.
GOVS tracks each student's testing requirements closely, so you always know where you stand on the path to graduating.
Get clear notice of which tests you need and when
You'll never have to guess. GOVS notifies students and families well ahead of any in-person test - by text, email, and phone - letting you know which tests you need and the sessions available.
From there, you sign up for a session for each test, plan to arrive a few minutes early to check in, and bring a photo ID. Your academic coach can confirm exactly which tests you need.
Prepare before test day
You don't have to walk in cold. Practice materials and prep resources are available to help you review before each state test.