Now that NECAPs have come to an end, Rhode Island students from North Providence High School are speaking up about their thoughts on the New England Common Assessment Program. The NECAPs, developed by the Rhode Island Department of Education, tested students in writing, reading, and mathematics from October 1st to October 4th.
Working towards changes and progression in NECAP scores, a series of workshops and classes were provided to ensure the ability that students could complete this assessment with ease. Being that NECAPs are a required graduation requirement, students took as much time as was needed and sat down to make sure they received the best grades possible.
Over the years, students have been progressing with the NECAPs than ever before. The exposure to past material has also provided a sense of encouragement needed to earn a better score. Maria Branco, a math teacher and department chair, stated that, “…students were very prepared for it, more so than in the past. I especially thought of the seniors who had to retake it. I think that they had a lot more preparation and also had another year of math to help.”
Standardized tests have been a part of American education for a long time and it is great to see that the NECAPs were taken seriously this year. “A feather in the cap of the teachers who helped prepare students,” said Melissa Thomas. “Students fully responded to the questions that were given and the faculty and staff helped each other out.”
Five students who were interviewed claimed the testing was very time consuming and that some parts were easier than others. One junior stated, “I would have rather taken five midterms than take them.”
Most students felt the mathematics were more difficult than the writing and reading. Some students took a whole school day to complete a section of the NECAPs.
Another student said, “It was the hardest test I have ever taken and for one test to determine my graduation is crazy. I work for my grades really hard and I have test anxiety so I believe they are unfair.”
By: Tinuola Agbelusi