Hottinger talks testing with students

Ohio Sen. Jay Hottinger visited BCC on Friday, Oct. 19. The senator dined in the Joe Carlisle Café and was joined by BCC administration, guidance counselors and five students, who expressed their opinions on the requirements to graduate including the need to pass end-of-course exams and achieve high sub scores in the various academic subjects.

In addition early childhood education senior Gabee Fisher of Indian Valley spoke about the amount of tests students take every school year. “I think we’ve gotten into a routine that it’s just a normal thing. We try but maybe not our hardest because we’ve taken so many tests over the years,” Fisher said. “To have that much pressure put on you is scary and hard.”

Principal Matt Fockler estimated career technical students take up to 26 state-mandated exams during their four years in high school, not including subject tests issued by teachers in the classroom.

Hottinger said, “I’m for having high standards, but we have to recognize that there are some people that can’t get over that hurdle. Having students not be able to graduate is not something that is good for them or the community at large. The consequences in the community are enormous."

Hottinger said he hopes the legislature will be able to make some changes in the coming months that would benefit the class of 2019. “How do we get to the point of reducing [testing] and figuring out when and where those tests should be administered,” he said.

Currently students must complete a minimum of 20 credits in academic classes in addition to completing one of three state pathways: earn 18 points on end-of-course state tests and earn specific point values in each subject, earn 12 points toward industry credentials, or earn remediation-free scores in math and English on the ACT or SAT.