Could you pass the OGT?
How difficult is it to pass the OGT? Here are a few questions from the 2009 OGT:
Math: A banquet center offers a choice of 3 salads, 5 main courses and 4 desserts. How many different meals can be created by selecting one salad, one main course and one dessert?
a. 12; b. 20; c. 35; d. 60
(Answer ‘d’ is correct)
Science: State two factors and explain how each influences the weather in Ohio.
Social Studies: What would be the expected effect on consumer spending and on the unemployment rate if the United States government were to increase personal income tax rates?
Writing: Select the correct way to edit the sentence: I am surprised Andrew that you are not a baseball fan.
a. I am surprised, Andrew that you are not a baseball fan.
b. I am surprised Andrew, that you are not a baseball fan.
c. I am surprised, Andrew, that you are not a baseball fan.
d. I am, surprised, Andrew, that you are not a baseball fan.
(Answer ‘c’ is correct)
MIDDLETOWN — A provision in state law will allow three Middletown High School seniors who failed the Ohio Graduation Test to walk with their classmates during commencement ceremonies Monday, May 24.
District officials confirmed the news Friday, May 21, just days after 32 seniors were informed they would not be allowed to graduate after failing the test.
According to the Ohio Revised Code, students can use the “alternative way” to graduate if they:
• Pass four of five OGT tests.
• Have a 97 percent attendance rate throughout high school and no expulsions.
• Have at least a 2.5 grade point average in the subject not passed on the test.
• Have participated in intervention programs offered by school and have a 97 percent attendance rate there.
• Have letters recommending graduation from the principal and subject area teachers the of failed section.
All 35 Middletown students who did not pass the OGT were reviewed by guidance counselors for these alternate requirements, according to district spokeswoman Debbie Alberico, but only three met all the requirements to graduate.
Middletown parent Carla Calhoun called the Journal on Friday to complain about the apparent double standard.
“These other kids earned their credits, why can’t they walk and the others can?” Calhoun said. “I am going to go to the school board office and let them know this isn’t fair.”
Passing OGT is crucial for Ohio students
The Ohio Graduation Test was the deciding factor for 32 Middletown High School seniors who will not be graduating Monday, May 24, with their classmates.
How did this test become a key requirement for all students to graduate?
According to the Ohio Department of Education, the requirements were created in 2001 by the Ohio General Assembly based on recommendations by the Governor’s Commission for Student Success. The goal of the OGT is to bring together a set of academic standards that apply across the state. Tests in reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies make up the OGT, with questions based on material from the eighth through 10th grades.
OGT tests have 35 multiple-choice questions and up to eight constructed (written) response items. Students have up to 21/2 hours to take each of the tests.
Students take the OGT for the first time in the spring of their sophomore year. Those who don’t pass one or more tests on their first attempt will retake the tests they need to pass during their junior and senior years.
The OGT is administered each fall and spring, with an optional summer administration available within some school districts. Middletown does offer summer testing dates, as well as free intervention classes that run year-round.
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2551 or mrossiter@coxohio.com.
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