Every year, at least one student asks me, “What if I fail The Constitution Test?” My answer is always the same, “You won’t – if you use the study strategies we teach you.” The strategies I teach in my Resource classes in preparation for the Constitution test are tried and true strategies that you can use any time you are preparing for a major exam.

First, a word about the test. At many schools, passing the Constitution Test involves little more than memorizing facts about our history and the document itself. I give Mr. Katz a lot of credit for making the test more than that. He expects you to be able to think, compare and contrast and analyze information you have learned about the Constitution and its impact on our lives. Of course, in order to do that, you still have to know (that is memorize) the relevant information.So, we use two study strategies that have worked for students over the years: multiple/varied exposures to the content and deep processing of content that may appear on the test.

Multiple/Varied Exposure: In order to learn information, you need to be exposed to it multiple times and in a variety of ways. We begin by having students complete the study guide provided to them. Students then formulate questions based on the completed study guide and put these on flash cards. I know, I know, everyone hates flash cards! But the PROCESS of making the flash cards gives you another exposure to the material and this time writing both questions and answers. Review of the flash cards to mastery follows.

Deep Processing: For the Constitution Test, deep processing of the information involves anticipating and practicing the extended response questions. You have begun to do this when you formulate the questions from the study guide. But that won’t give you practice on the extended response questions – the thinking questions. For these, we have students come up with possible extended response questions they might be asked based on their notes and class discussions. They practice writing answers to those questions, which requires processing and reflecting on the material.

Students in resource who have used these methods have consistently been successful on the Constitution Test. If you are not in a Resource class, you can still use these strategies on your own. Mr. Katz discusses the test, the study guide, and the upcoming study sessions on his blog which you can access here. I recommend that you attend those study sessions to maximize your exposure to the material.

Remember, you want multiple exposures to the information and deep processing of the content.

I wish you many stress-free and confident days of study and reflection!

Ms. Stewart