NEWBERRY — High school juniors and seniors who have not taken parts of the High School Assessment Program will take the test Oct. 23-25.

“The fall administration for HSAP is for students who have not taken the HSAP before or for students who have previously taken but not passed a portion of the HSAP,” said Dr. Carson Ware, director of accountability, assessment, and professional development.

The HSAP is mandatory if students wish to receive a high school diploma.

There are no changes to the testing, explain Ware.

The test is divided into three sections, two for English/language arts and one for math.

Ware says, “ELA is divided into two days; the first day has students respond to a writing prompt (and) the second day is reading. Math is only one day.”

As for preparation, it is recommended that students get plenty of rest and eat a good breakfast.

Ware said, “Tips for students and parents include being at school on time each day and receiving enough rest each night. Our teachers have worked very hard to prepare our students for these day of testing.”

If students do not have time to eat breakfast at home, Ware said, “Each school continues to provide free breakfast each day.”

The testing will begin at 8:15 a.m. and will take between one and a half to two hours each day.

Parents can help their children by having their children do sample test items by logging onto www.ed.sc.gov/agency/programs-services/43.

For other questions, feel free to contact Ware at 321-2600 or contact the school to ask for the children’s name.