Ohio Graduation Test: Students discuss the OGT

I talked to three Ohio sophomore students this weekend that took the Ohio Graduation Test earlier this month. I asked them a few questions about their feelings about the Ohio Graduation Test.

Do you feel that your teachers properly prepared you for what was going to be on the OGT?

Crystal - Yes I think they think that my teachers did. We almost did nothing else but study and prepare for the test.

Martin - I had one teacher that did. I think she actually made us do to much studying for just this one test. I know it decide if I graduate or not but I got so bored of preparing for it that I zoned out at times.

Stephen - Between school and my Mom I have done nothing but study. I am glad I have finally taken it for this year and can try and forget it for awhile.

Was the test as hard or harder than what you thought it would be?

Crystal - It as harder than I thought. I had been told it would be but I didn't believe it. If I don't pass it all I will study much harder next year.

Martin - It was about what I expected it to be.

Stephen - It was sort of difficult but with all the preparing I did, I am confident that I did well.

How do you think you did?

Crystal - Well, I'm not sure. I am very worried I did not pass Math and Science. I will find out soon.

Martin - I think I did ok. A little worried about Social Studies. But I have more tries at it if I didn't pass so I'm not really worried yet.

Stephen - I think I did pretty good. I actually think I passed it all. I sure hope so. I don't want to have to worry about it again.

Do you think its fair that the state as made the OGT mandatory to pass in order to graduate?

Crystal - Well I guess it doesn't matter if I do or not I still have to do it.

Martin - Yes I guess so. I mean if we want to go to college we have to be prepared and ready. I know college exams are not going to be easy.

Stephen - No I don't think it is fair. Even though I think I did well doesn't mean I think it's fair. We work for 12 years and try are best to get good grades and one test can completely change are future. How is that fair. I have several friends that say if they don't pass it by senior year and are denied graduating then they will just quit school. I think it is going to cause a lot of drop outs for students that did well all through school and just suck at taking exams.