Barber Students Prepare for CRCT

Students at may have filled out brackets for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament for themselves, but they have a different idea of “March Madness.”

In order to help students improve their scores on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT), Barber has begun hosting intensive study sessions each Monday and Wednesday, which are referred to as a “full-court press.” These sessions begin at either 8:10 a.m. or 4:15 p.m.

The initial CRCT Math Night filled the computer labs and Media Center with eager students and their parents. The session is designed to give students helpful tips and tools to tackle the Math portion of the exam. Useful information is also given to parents to help them study more effectively with their children.

“I came to get a better grade and understand more. I want to learn how to have fun doing it,” said eighth grade student Stephanie Shuryn. Parents Luis Ramos and Wanda Valdez came to Math Night to gain some insight on how to help their son, who has struggled with mathematics. He is not alone; statistics from Barber's 2010 CRCT results show that 27.7 percent of sixth graders, 10.3 percent of seventh graders and 36.9 percent of eight graders did not meet the standard set forth by the state in the math department.

Barber will be hosting a similar prep session on March 24 at 6:00 p.m., where Language Arts and Reading will be the focus. Parents and students alike are encouraged to attend the session. If a student wishes to attend extra help sessions on Mondays or Wednesdays, his or her parents must fill out this form and be aware that they must transport their child to and from school.

The CRCT assesses how well students have learned the skills materials presented in the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS). All first-through-eighth graders must take tests in the fields of reading, English/language arts, and mathematics. Third-through-eight graders are additionally tested on social studies and science. The results of the tests allow a glimpse at the invidious, school, system, and state level at how well the GPS is being taught and gives a picture of the overall state of education in the state.