The Civics Assessment is a common test about the basics of the United States government. On April 16, every freshman student in New Berlin West took the Civics Assessment, which is a requirement for every student in New Berlin West in order to graduate, and needs to pass with a 65% or above. In every assessment, there are 100 questions on the government history that includes the founding fathers, wars that happened between the United States, and who is in office today.

A variety of freshman students, plus some EL students, studied with Kristin Austin, an English Language support teacher in New Berlin West. She had held study sessions for students who were struggling to understand the difference between concepts that may have a similar meaning. Those students studied with flashcards, and if one got it wrong, Mrs. Austin would explain why it was wrong and even explain the right answer. Mrs. Austin also gave a website that gave a practice test of the civics assessment, which students said helped them a lot. Athena Futch, a freshman student who was getting help from Austin, explained, “Mrs. Austin’s civic sessions really helped me to better understand the government, and I enjoyed how she had deeply explained the wrong answers.”  

One student who took the Civics Assessment, freshman student Addy Donaghy, had explained how she felt before the assessment: “I was a little bit stressed at first, but once I started the test, I was so much less stressed.” Donaghy had said that she was nervous to know if she was going to pass or not, but felt confident once she started. 

The Civics Assessment is important because it shows students the importance of the government, how voting works, and what it means to be a citizen in the United States. In the exam, one is tested on the rights of a citizen, the branches, and everything in general that makes up what the government is now. It is important because it helps us be informed about a country and the way it’s constantly changing.