Guide for Social Studies Mid-Year Assessment

Guide for Social Studies Mid-Year Assessment {Students should keep the following guide in mind}

Purpose: The 8th Grade Social Studies Mid-Year Assessment is intended to perform as a tool that will measure a student’s retention of basic curriculum content, their ability to analyze and decipher visual representations of social studies related concepts and a student’s ability to display evidence of strength in the area of creative fact based writing. The Mid-Year Assessment will also serve as one of numerous diagnostic materials used in helping to form the basis of recommendations for 9th Grade Social Studies.

Assessment Dates: Mid - January {two full periods will be allotted to complete the assessment}  Bring two #2 pencils for completion of Scantron formatted questions  Bring a blue/black pen for completion of the pre-write and written response

The following units of study include: 1. Exploration 2. Colonization 3. The 13 Colonies 4. Causes of the American Revolution 5. The American Revolution

* Information was taken from class studies of Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 in the text book. * If the information was taught or can be found in the above chapters of the book, it may be on the test!

All 3 components of the Mid-Year Assessment are to be completed on the scheduled exam date!

Note: Any student who cannot attend the assessment on the assigned date must speak with their teacher prior to the assessment to arrange an alternate testing arrangement.

Part 1: 55 Multiple Choice {55 points} {Questions are main idea type questions from materials studied this year}

Part 2: Skills Acquired {35 points} 15 Questions requiring students to do the following: A. Read a primary source and answer questions about it B. Analyze Visuals {charts, graphs, timelines, etc.} and answer questions C. 20 Questions requiring students to analyze charts, graphs, timelines, etc.

Part 3: Picture Prompt Writing Skills Assessment {10 points} Students will be provided a picture to analyze {based on class studies and class content} 1. Complete a pre-write {no points} 2. Complete a well-written response

To Prepare: Students may wish to review old quizzes, tests, and recall class studies and discussions, scanning through the text for main ideas, may be helpful as well. Students may also wish to scan through the text chapter reviews to practice answering questions based on the analysis of charts, graphs, timelines, and other visual representations of social studies related concepts.