The Difference Between a "Challenge Test" and a "Placement Test"

A Challenge Test is taken when a student has studied on his or her own or in some extra-curricular tutorial program and decides to take the test in place of the class.  A student must earn an 80% or higher on the test to be considered “passed”.  A score of 80%-89% is a permanent B on the transcript with 10 units of credit for that subject.  A score of 90%-100% is a permanent A on the transcript with 10 units of credit for that subject.  A score earned at or higher than 80% solidifies a grade on the transcript and the student’s placement in the next level of the language.

 A Placement Test is given when a student comes to us from another country or from a middle school that has a full running, year-long program within the school day, but is outside our district. A grade for a specific level of the language is indicated on the middle school transcripts. We do this in order to verify that he or she is ready to continue into the next level of the language at the high school level. A score of 75% or higher verifies that a student could be successful in the next level at FHS although the lower the score, the more we encourage additional outside tutoring to bring the student up to speed.  A student taking the placement test does NOT earn credit, units or a grade on the transcript. 

Second: once you know which type of test you need, please pick up and submit the appropriate form to the counseling office with all required signatures before the testing date.   Then contact the appropriate teacher listed below so that they know you will be there.  

  French:  Mrs. Messer – smesser@fcusd.org   German: Ms. Wilson – mwilson@fcusd.org  Spanish:  Mrs. Martin – smartin@fcusd.org   Remember:  A student may only challenge one class in a given area per year.