Cleveland Public Library

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Ohio Graduation Tests

It's that time of the year again when the students of Ohio are preparing to take the Ohio Achievement Tests (OAT) and the Ohio Graduation Tests.  Achievement tests are currently administered in grades 3 to 8.  Each test consists of five sections: reading, writing, math, social studies, and science.  The Ohio Graduation Tests have replaced the Ohio Ninth-Grade Proficiency Tests, effective with the graduating class of 2007.   Click to read Frequently Asked Questions provided by the Ohio Department of Education as well as, links and resources available at Cleveland Public Library, Social Sciences Department.

Q.  What are the purposes of the Ohio Graduation Tests?

A.   The purposes of the OGT are to:

• Ensure that students who receive a high school diploma demonstrate at least high school levels of achievement;
• Measure the level of reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies skills expected of students at the end of the 10th grade;
• Meet federal requirement for high school testing.

Q. Who develops the OGT tests?

A.   Ohio teachers and other educators, parents, representatives of the business community and other citizens are involved with Ohio Department of Education staff and its testing contractor in developing items for the OGT. The law requiring Ohio Graduation Tests clearly states that parents, classroom teachers, other school personnel and administrators must be involved in developing the tests.

Q.  What time of year do students take the OGT?

A.  Students take the OGT for the first time in the spring of their sophomore year. Students can continue to take the tests in the fall and spring of their junior and senior years and during the summer.

Q.  What happens if students don't pass the tests the first time?

A.  Students who do not pass one or more tests on their first attempt will retake the tests they need to pass during their junior and senior years. Ohio Graduation Tests are administered each fall and spring, with an optional summer administration available within some school districts.

Q:  How many chances do I have to pass the OGT?

A:  OGT test administrations before graduation:

• Spring of 10th grade
• Summer between 10th and 11th grade (optional)
• Fall and spring of 11th grade
• Summer between 11th and 12th grade (optional)
• Fall and spring of 12th grade

Q:  Do charter school students and those in other schools have to take the OGT?

A:  Chartered nonpublic school students and students in Schools for the Blind and the Deaf must pass the OGT or satisfy the alternative conditions set by the state to receive a high school diploma.

Q:  What is the 2008-2009 schedule for the OAT and OGT?

A: Click the following link to view the OAT and OGT schedule: http://www.ode.state.oh.us/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDetail.aspx?page=3&TopicRelationID=238&ContentID=26756&Content=55236

Q: Are there other ways for students to receive a diploma if they don't pass the OGT?

A: Students may graduate and receive a diploma without passing all five test of the OGT if they meet ALL of the following requirements:

1. Pass four of the five test and have missed passing the fifth test by no more than 10 points;
2. Have a 97% attendance rate through all four years of high school and must not have had an expulsion in high school;
3. Have a grade point average of at least 2.5 out of 4.0 in the subject area missed and have completed the curriculum requirements in the subject area missed;
4. Have participated in any intervention programs offered by the school and/or school district and must have had a 97 percent attendance rate in any program offered outside the normal school day;
5. Obtain letters of recommendation from each teacher in the subject area not yet passed, as well as the principal.

Q:  Where can I find the Ohio Achieve and Graduation Assessment Results?

A.  Ohio Achievement Test Assessment Results and Ohio Graduation Tests Assessment Results

Q:  Where can I find resources for Ohio Achievement Tests and Ohio Graduation Tests?

A: Click on any of the links below to see actual test questions, read more about Ohio's Academic Content Standards and assessment system, and learn about additional resources for helping students:

http://ohio3-8.success-ode-state-oh-us.info/

http://www.ode.state.oh.us/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDetail.aspx?page=3&TopicRelationID=222&ContentID=7805&Content=52014

http://www.ohiodocs.org/

http://ogt.success-ode-state-oh-us.info/studentsOGT.htm

http://www.ode.state.oh.us/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDetail.aspx?page=3&TopicRelationID=216&ContentID=4347&Content=56029

Q:  What resources does the Cleveland Public Library offer?

A: Every CPL branch library will have books on graduation and achievement tests. You may also click on the following titles to place a hold on specific books listed below:

Ohio Achievement Test Books

Math on Target Series (GR 3) Parent/Teacher and Student Edition [LB1585.G75 2004]

Read on Target Series (GR 1-6) Parent/Teacher and Student Edition [LB1573.7 .R433 2002]

Show What You Know on the OAT: Practical Test Workbook - Student Workbook and Parent/Teacher Supplements (GR 3-7) [LB3060.33 .O3 S474]

Ohio Graduation Test Books

Preparing for the OGT in Mathematics by Richard J. Andres [LB3060.33 .O34 A584 2004]

Preparing for the OGT in Science by Paul S. Cohen [LB3060.33 .O34 C64 2005]

Mastering the OGT.  (Reading/Writing) by Lesli J. Favor [LB3060.33 .O34 F384 2004]

Passing the OGT: Practice Test Workbook (GR 10) [LB3060.33 .O34 P37 2004]