Tests or quizzes will be given usually once every week or 2 on Monday or Friday. These tests or quizzes will be on the current material covered. In order to properly prepare students for the rigors of college preparatory math courses found at the high school, re-takes of tests are not allowed.
At the end of each semester, the students will take a Benchmark Test. The Benchmark Tests are based on the California standards in order to prepare the students for the California STAR Tests (see www.cde.ca.gov for more information). Although given in the last week of April, the STAR tests cover the entire year's material just as the Year-End Benchmark Test does. Hence, it will be necessary to cover as much material as possible before the STAR tests are given.
Additionally, experience shows that students need frequent review of basic skills. Much like a music student needs to practice scales and warm-ups, math students need to review below grade level material on a frequent basis. The daily warm-ups will often review basic skills and students will be given below grade level assignments found in either the Key Concepts workbook or the Skills Review Handbook found in the back of the book as needed.
Consequently, the students will be given Mastery Quizzes once every quarter covering basic or essential skills. Because the skills are generally below level, it is expected that every student "master" them. Mastery Quizzes will be part of the multiple measures used to make placement decisions.
As you can see, we have a lot of material to cover. The emphasis will naturally be on the new material. However, we will devote a portion of our time to review basic skills.