In order to prepare for the upcoming End Of Program test, Automotive teacher Bertrand Potts is combining hands-on shop-work with a multiple choice test to refine his students’ skills. The practice exam, which is a multi day test, is designed to give Auto Tech III students a higher chance of doing well on their EOP.
While testing through sample questions, Potts is highlighting all of the various categories that his students will be tested on.
“The EOP test is a top secret test straight from the Nevada Department of Education,” Potts said.“It will cover many categories: such as steering and suspension, service and safety, engine repair, engine performance, electrical, drivetrain, brakes, batteries, and automatic transmission systems.”
Due to the uncertainty of what will be on the exam, Potts has increased shop experience to make sure students are covering all of the material, including what they might have missed during distance learning last year.
“Preparation is tricky because nobody tells the teachers or students exactly what will be on the test,” Potts said. “It was kind of a shot in the dark when I did a simple review of everything last year with my Class of 2022. Virtually it was way harder to make a lesson engaging and memorable, and I felt frustrated that I couldn’t do more for my students. I think this year, adding in that hands-on component, will give juniors this year more confidence.”
From being tested on measuring with micrometers, to locating all of a vehicle’s factory specifications, junior Jacob Bogel feels that this year alone has been the most beneficial in preparing him for the EOP.
“It’s crazy how much more we have learned this year going to school in person with Mr. Potts,” Bogel said. “Even though it sounds funny, last year I was really worrying about this EOP test because I was struggling with all of the endless confusing information we went over as sophomores. I really like how our practice exam includes that hands on aspect to let us make mistakes and learn from them better.”
Despite the closeness of the exam date, Potts believes that his class will be ready in time to do well on their test.
“Even though there have been numerous struggles that my junior class had to face, I do believe that this practice and repetition will really help them.” Potts said. “They are equipped with the knowledge and I know that if they take the time to work on their weaknesses, my students will be more than ready to score well on the EOP.”
