Introduction
What is the General Content of the AHSGE?
When Will Students Take the AHSGE?
Mock Test
Test Preparation Tips
 

The third edition, the Alabama High School Graduation Exam, became a requirement for any student who was a ninth-grader for the first time on or after the 1997-1998 scholastic year (class of 2001).

The old edition, the Alabama High School Basic Skills Exit Exam, was an eight-grade level test that measured basic skills, skills students generally need for everyday life. The new edition, the Alabama High School Graduation Exam, will test students on the eleventh-grade and will include more subjects. To pass the graduation Exam, students will have to solve complex problems and show more detailed knowledge of the subjects. To receive a diploma from the State of Alabama a student must pass all sections of the AHSGE and successfully complete the required Carnegie units of credit as established by the Alabama State Board of Education and the Madison County Board of Education.
 

WHAT IS THE GENERAL CONTENT OF THE AHSGE?

On the language section, students will be quizzed on grammar skills, using correct sentence structure and organizing information for writing.

For reading comprehension, students will read articles, poems, editorials, and essays and answer questions to show they understand what they read.

Approximately 75 percent of the math section will be Algebra 1 with the remaining 25 percent covering pre-geometry.

The science section will be approximately 70 percent biology and 30 percent physical science.

The social studies section will focus on United States History.
 
 

WHEN WILL STUDENTS TAKE THE AHSGE?

Students will have at least five chances to take the AHSGE: Once as a sophomores (as a "pre-test"), once as juniors and three times as seniors. The State Department of Education determine the test dates. The test will be administered by subject area over a five day period and is not a timed test. Most students should be completed within 90 minutes on each subject test.

Listed below are some things that a parent can do to help your child/children be prepared to take the AHSGE:

    *     Be sure your child/children are at school and on time
    *     Be sure your child/children get plenty of rest the night before each test and eat a good
           breakfast on testing days
    *     If your child/children have part- or full-time jobs, have them arrange to get off work by 5
           p.m.. during the week the test is given
    *     Remind your child/children about the importance of this test
    *     Remind your child/children to work every problem and check their answers carefully. The
           creators of the tests know where common errors are made. The questions are multiply
           choice, and incorrect answers may look just as appealing as correct answers. Carelessly
           choosing the answers that “look right” could be disastrous.
    *     Remind your child/children that the answer documents and computerized scanners are
           highly sensitive to stray pencil marks. If they change their mind about an answer, it is
           imperative they erase completely the incorrect marks. This is a time when perfection
           counts.
    *     Prepare your child/children for the fact the tests are long and difficult. A surprising number
           of previous reading test failures are the result of students getting tired of reading passages
           and just quitting.
    *     Help your child/children come to the test with a positive attitude. Make them aware that
           there may be items on the tests they may not know the answers. This makes it more
           important that hey work diligently on items they do know.
    *     Explain to your child/children that good guessing skills can improve their scores. Students
           should not simply guess “C” when they don’t know an answer, nor should they leave it
           blank. They should look at all four answers and identify the ones that are definitely wrong.
           Narrowing the possible answers this way improves their odds of choosing correctly.
    *     Remind your child/children not to rush. The tests are not timed, and students can take as
           long as they need. (Note: this does not mean students will be allowed to sleep or take
           breaks during the test.) Many will feel pressured to finish if they see others closing their
           booklets. Help your child/children understand early finishers may just be quitters. Because
           their high school diploma is riding on these tests, it is important they take the time they need
           to answer the questions.