Graduation Exit Examination Information

Next year, your child will take the first two parts of the Graduation Exit Examination (GEE).
Students must pass both the English Language Arts and Math tests and either the Science or the Social Studies tests to graduate from high school.
Students who do no pass will have several chances to take retests.

What is the GEE, and who takes it?

GEE is the state's test for 10th and 11th grade students. It measures students' progress in mastering the Louisiana content standards in English language arts, math, science and social studies.

The GEE is divided into four tests.

Tenth graders take the English Language Arts and Math tests and must pass both tests to graduate. If they fail, there are six retest opportunities.
As 11th graders, these same students will take the Science and Social Studies tests. Students must pass either the Science or Social Studies tests to graduate. If they fail, there are three retest opportunities.

What sorts of questions appear on the GEE?

In addition to multiple-choice questions, the exam requires students to complete short-answer and essay questions. It asks students to use facts and concepts to solve problems.

What happens to students who fail the test?

Students who fail the test are offered special help and multiple opportunities to take a retest.

Do student who fail parts of the exam have to re-take the whole exam?

No. Students have to re-take only the test they did not pass.

Is passing the test the only requirement for graduation?

No. Students also must pass a certain number of required courses and elective courses. High school students must complete a minimum of 23 Carnegie units of credit to graduate from high school.

How can I help my child prepare for the GEE?

Talk with your child's English language arts and math teachers or the school's guidance counselor. Practice test and sample test items are available at www.louisianaschools.net.

Achievement Level	Definition	Estimated Percentage of Points Needed*
Advanced	A student at this level has demonstrated superior performance beyond the proficient level of mastery.	about 85-100%
Mastery	A student at this level has demonstrated competency over challenging subject matter and is well prepared for the next level of schooling	about 70-84%
Basic	A student at this level has demonstrated only the fundamental knowledge and skills needed for the next level of schooling.	about 45-69%
Approaching Basic "Minimum" to pass the test	A student at this level has only partially demonstrated the fundamental knowledge and skills needed for the next level of schooling.	about 35-44%
Unsatisfactory "Failing" grade	A student at this level has not demonstrated the fundamental knowledge and skills needed for the next level of schooling.	about 34% and below

* The percentage of points needed for each level varies, depending on the test.

For additional information, contact the Louisiana Department of Education's Helpline, toll-free, at 1-877-4-LEAP-21 (1-877-453-2721) or visit the department's website at www.louisianaschools.net.

Parents, get more information about the LEAP and GEE testing, as well as practice tests... click here to be redirected to the Louisiana Department of Education Website.

Quick Links

Louisiana Department of Education

La DOE Parents Page

Testing Schedule