Ann Arbor Public Schools: Testing Out FAQs

Testing Out FAQs

updated 4/12/13

What courses are eligible for ‘testing out’?
The courses eligible for ‘testing out’ are listed on the Ann Arbor Public Schools website.
What students are eligible to test out of courses?
Any student who will be enrolled and attending an AAPS middle or high school in the 2013-14 school year is eligible to register to test out of courses offered by AAPS high schools.
Are there requirements a student must satisfy before (s)he can be eligible to test out of a course?
Yes, for some courses. For some courses, in order to be able to take the testing out exam, a student must have earned credit in a course lower in the course sequence for that subject area. The list of courses are displayed on the AAPS website.
What will students be tested on?
Students will be tested on their knowledge of the state high school content expectations for the course and course expectations specified by AAPS.
How does a student register for Testing Out?
Please download our Step-by-Step instructions (207kb PDF).
- Current AAPS students will need their Xsan username and password to log in to the Testing Out course on AAPSMoodle.
- Students currently home schooled or attending a non-AAPS school who will be enrolling in our district in the Fall will need a temporary AAPSMoodle username and password; please contact the AAPS Moodle Administrator (moodleadmin@aaps.k12.mi.us) to request a temporary login for Testing Out registration purposes. Once you have this temporary username and password, follow the instructions (linked to above), starting with Step 5. On the registration form, in the Counselor signature space, current-non-AAPS students can enter "Joyce Williams".
How can a student add or drop a course from their testing out registration?
Once a student has registered for Testing Out, they can continue to access their registration form on Moodle. Changes can be made to the registration until May 10, 2013, at 4 pm when the registration database will be closed.

To edit a registration, the student should click the Testing Out Registration link on the main page of the Testing Out Moodle course, then click the magnifying glass icon below the View Full Details header; they should then click the small hand-with-a-pencil icon at the bottom of their completed registration (the Edit button) which will take them to where they can Edit view for their registration. Once they make their changes to the form, the should click the Save & View button, print out their form, sign it, have their parent/guardian sign it, then bring to their counselor for final approval.

After the registration deadline has passed, if a student wishes to change or cancel their testing out registration, they should contact Joyce Williams, willia14@aaps.k12.mi.us.
How does a student get any required books they need to study for the test?
Once a student has gone through the registration process, and gotten the signature from their counselor on their registration form, they can take their form to their high school's book depository to check out their needed book(s). Students will need to return any books checked out from the depository after their test date. Students currently home-schooled or attending a non-AAPS school who are testing out should take a copy of their signed registration form to the book depository of the high school that they would attend per the district attendance areas to check out copies of any textbooks required to study for the test.
How long are the tests?
The allotted time for a yearlong test will be a maximum of 3.5 hours. A written exam will be given and can also include other forms of assessment, including portfolio, oral, demonstration, or other appropriate forms.
Where is the testing center?
The Testing out test site will be at WISD (1819 S.Wagner Road, Ann Arbor, 48106) this year; students can choose to take their testing out exam(s) on June 28^th or July 17^th. Students must choose one testing date only.
How do I know what time to be at the testing site, what I can bring, and other details about test day?
Once the registration window has closed on May 10, we will then be able to finalize planning for the testing day, and students will be contacted in June with the final details.
Does it cost anything to test out of a course?
No, testing out is free.
How many courses can a student test out of?
Students may choose to test out of up to 3 courses per Testing Out session. While we have two test dates for students to choose from this year, it is considered a single Testing Out session.
Can a student test out of more than one course in a given content area, i.e. social studies, in one sitting?
Yes. A student is allowed to test out of a course in which he or she has satisfied the course requirements listed on the AAPS website.
Can a student take the Algebra I and Geometry testing out exams in the same sitting?
No. In order to be able to take the Geometry or Geometry AC testing out exams, a student must have earned credit for Algebra I prior to the Geometry or Geometry AC exam testing date.
For world language, if a student passes a testing out exam for a level 2 course (i.e. Spanish II), will (s)he earn credit for both the level 1 and 2 courses?
No. If a student passes a testing out exam for a level 2 course, (s)he will earn credit for the level 2 course only. If (s)he wants to earn credit for both a level 1 and level 2 course, (s)he will have to take the testing out exams for both courses.
What can a student accomplish by testing out (do they get credit?)
Students are able to move to the next course in sequence and/or receive credit provided they meet the cut score for the department.
What is the minimum passing score?
The minimum passing score to test out of a course is 77% (C+). A student who earns 77% (C+) or higher on the criteria established to test out of a course will be placed in the next level course.
If a student passes the test, do they need to do any follow up work for the next school year?
Students should always double check with their respective counselor to be sure they are following the correct sequence of courses once you have passed a testing out exam. Your counselor will be able to assist.
Will the test out score be calculated in high school GPA?
No.
What happens if a student fails their exam?
If a student does not pass the test out exam, there is no negative impact on the student's school record; no grade mark is recorded on the transcript. They should sign up for the course during the regular school year.
If I miss the testing out session, can I try to test out of a course at the start of the school year?
There will be two test dates for this year’s testing out session - one in June and one in July. If a student misses his or her assigned test date, he or she will not be able to test out of a course for the upcoming school year.
How many opportunities are there for a student to test out of a course?
A student will have only one chance to try to test out of a particular course. If a student is unsuccessful in testing out of a course required for graduation, the student will be expected to enroll in the course during the school year.
What will be reported on the student’s transcript?
The name of the course tested out of and the credit earned for the course will be reported on the student’s transcript. The student’s exam score will not be shown on the transcript. The credit earned will count toward the student’s graduation requirements. No record will be seen on the transcript if the student does not pass.
Who should I contact with questions?
Please contact your middle or high school guidance counselor.