Ruston Junior High School American Studies i LEAP Prep Night February 16, 2010

1. Ruston Junior High SchoolAmerican StudiesiLEAPPrep NightFebruary 16, 2010

2. Test Dates: • April 12-16 • The Social Studies section will be on Friday April 16.

3. Test Structure: • The Social Studies test consists of one part and is administered in a single day. It is not a timed test; however, 60 minutes will be allotted for the test. • The Social Studies test is a criterion-referenced test (CRT) that includes items based entirely on Louisiana’s Social Studies content standards. • These items are aligned with the Louisiana Grade Level Expectations (GLEs)

4. Example of Question Alignment-Civics -Structure and Purposes of Government • GLE 16—Identify qualifications and terms of office for elected officials at the national level (C-1A-M6) Q1. Which is not a constitutional qualification for becoming president of the United States? A. being male B. being at least 35 years old C. being a natural-born American citizen D. being a resident of the United States for at least 14 years • Correct response: A • Match to GLE: This item relates to the qualifications for the office of president. Other grade 7 iLEAP items that measure this GLE may relate to qualifications and terms for other government offices.

5. Item Types: • 40 Test Items • All Multiple Choice Questions • Items assess knowledge presented in the GLEs. • Questions typically use a single stimulus such as a Map or an excerpt from a document or speech. • The reading difficulty level is minimized so the student’s social studies knowledge can be tested.

7. Types of Test Questions: • A map of illustration of a globe showing political divisions, geographical features, or variations in climate, vegetation, population density, etc. • A table or graph presenting numerical data to be read or interpreted. • A timeline, chart illustration, or graphic organizer. • A passage from a newspaper or magazine or other information written expressly for the test. • An excerpt from such primary sources as historical documents, quotes and speeches, writings, journals, and autobiographies of major historical figures. • An excerpt from such secondary sources as reference books, literature, encyclopedias, artifacts, and nonfiction books on culture, geographical, historical, political, or economic themes.

8. Sample Test Questions: _____ 1. Based on the map, which of the following statements is incorrect? • A. The Oregon Trail led to the town of Portland. • B. The California Trail was more southerly than the Oregon Trail. • C. The two trails separated in Independence, Missouri. • D. The two trails separated near the Great Salt Lake.

9. Types of Test Questions: • A map of illustration of a globe showing political divisions, geographical features, or variations in climate, vegetation, population density, etc. • A table or graph presenting numerical data to be read or interpreted. • A timeline, chart illustration, or graphic organizer. • A passage from a newspaper or magazine or other information written expressly for the test. • An excerpt from such primary sources as historical documents, quotes and speeches, writings, journals, and autobiographies of major historical figures. • An excerpt from such secondary sources as reference books, literature, encyclopedias, artifacts, and nonfiction books on culture, geographical, historical, political, or economic themes.

10. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” –United States Constitution, Amendment I _____ 2. The First Amendment protects the _____ of individuals in the United States. A. right to vote C. right to bear arms B. civil liberties D. right to a fair trial

11. Types of Test Questions: • A map of illustration of a globe showing political divisions, geographical features, or variations in climate, vegetation, population density, etc. • A table or graph presenting numerical data to be read or interpreted. • A timeline, chart illustration, or graphic organizer. • A passage from a newspaper or magazine or other information written expressly for the test. • An excerpt from such primary sources as historical documents, quotes and speeches, writings, journals, and autobiographies of major historical figures. • An excerpt from such secondary sources as reference books, literature, encyclopedias, artifacts, and nonfiction books on culture, geographical, historical, political, or economic themes.

12. _____ 3. Based on the information in the flowchart, which branch of federal government may declare acts of Congress to be unconstitutional? A. state C. legislative B. judicial D. executive

13. _____ 4. What was America's first constitution called? A. American Constitution C. Bill of Rights B. Articles of Confederation D. Republic Plan

14. Testing Tips from louisianapass.org: • Get plenty of sleep the night before testing. • Eat a nutritious breakfast the day of testing. • Help students manage any stress they may feel about testing. • Think and talk positively about the test. • Let students remain active in sports and hobbies during testing. • Read directions and make sure you understand them. • Don’t spend too much time on one question. Skip it and return to it later. Use process of elimination when necessary • Take your time and work at your own pace. *Remember: Those finishing early probably just guessed. Always go back and check you work if time permits.