The LEAP, iLEAP and GEE tests make up the core of Louisianas Accountability System in education. The system focuses on ongoing improvement in student achievement, increased school attendance and reduction in the states dropout rates. The state rewards schools whose testing scores meet or exceed minimum standards in core subject areas, and delivers support to schools, students and educators who
. show a demonstrated need for assistance. Students take one of the three state standardized tests each year, from grades three to eleven. Five levels of scoring distinguish students performance and skills. Rather than a using a pass/fail scoring system, students receive their actual personal scores in each subject area. From highest to lowest, these scores are Advanced, Mastery, Basic, Approaching Basic and Unsatisfactory. The state believes that using this system provides students with continuous feedback on academic performance leading up to the Graduation Exit Examination (GEE),which all Louisiana high school students must pass in order to graduate. As of the 2010-2011 academic year, End of Course, or EOC tests, will replace the GEE, but the Department of Education maintains that the testing process will be similar to that of the GEE. Sections of the GEE are designed to evaluate students competence in English, math, social studies and science subject areas. The test is administered to sophomores and juniors, who must achieve the Approaching Basic score or higher on the English and math portions and on either the science or social studies subject tests. Students test in English and math during their sophomore year, followed in the junior year by the science and social studies units. Louisianas Department of Education maintains practice GEE test booklets in PDF format for each section of the GEE at http://doe.louisiana.gov/topics/practice_test_questions.html. On the same page there is a link to past test questions students may use for additional practice. At Teacherweb.com, a practice GEE Test for sophomores is available at teacherweb.com/LA/Salmen/Guidance/GEEgrade10test.pdf. The practice test for juniors is located at teacherweb.com/LA/Salmen/Guidance/GEEgrade11test.pdf. http://doe.louisiana.gov/topics/practice_test_questions.html or teacherweb.com/LA/Salmen/Guidance/GEEgrade10test.pdf
