How a High School Science Teacher Uses Pear Assessment to Improve Scores and Test Readiness

For Mike Van Kerkhove, a high school science teacher in Ohio, teaching has always been about making science real. Inspired by his sixth-grade science teacher and his time in Boy Scouts, he developed a love for the outdoors and a passion for science early on. When he reached high school, though, he noticed that spark fading.

“When I got to high school, that experience was not the same. The goal is to help make science fun, and not the high school experience of science teachers I had.”

Now in his own classroom, Mike is determined to bring back that sense of curiosity and connection. His approach is simple: Make learning practical and engaging. “No busy work. Just cut the fluff.”

Moving beyond paper tests and Google Forms

Like many teachers, Mike started out using the traditional tools for assessments: Paper-and-pencil tests and, later, Google Forms. While both options got the job done, neither fully prepared his students for what they would encounter on state exams, especially in biology.

“With the state tests, there’s a lot more clicking and dragging, and that really made it difficult for my students when they saw those tests because that’s not really the testing they were accustomed to.”

Paper assessments required hours of grading and didn’t offer much insight into what his students understood. Google Forms gave him some data, but limited question types. “There wasn’t as much diversity with that,” he said. Students needed more authentic practice, and Mike needed a tool that would give him a clearer picture of learning.

Preparing students for real test formats

Pear Assessment filled that gap, giving Mike and his students the ability to work with interactive question types that mirror state tests. Matching, labeling diagrams, dragging and dropping, and other formats give students authentic practice that goes far beyond multiple choice.

“I love all of the different types of questions. It’s basically what they have to do now on the state test.”

For Mike, the platform also offers a new level of responsiveness. “Even in real time, I can see if a question isn’t going well and stop to address it. If I see a lot of red on question four, I know we need to talk about it right away.” That visibility allows him to reteach on the spot and refine future lessons.

Over time, he’s noticed students becoming more confident with testing. “They’re definitely comfortable with it. That check answer feature definitely helps with student morale.” And the impact has been measurable. When discussing his school’s Biology End of Course exam, Mike reflected, “I think my school’s biology scores went up 11 to 13% in the last year.” 

Supporting accessibility and student-centered learning

Beyond test prep, Mike sees Pear Assessment as an important tool for equity and access. For students with IEPs or reading challenges, it allows them to show what they know without being limited by text-heavy questions. “My intervention specialist loves that it’s not just a reading test. I try to make assessments more about applying content.”

Because everything is digital and synced with Schoology, absent students can easily catch up, and grades update automatically. “Absent Students can access the work from anywhere. If I’m absent, I can post to Schoology, and students know exactly where to go. That sends them to the Pear Assessment, they complete it, and it goes right into the gradebook.”

Having all of this data consolidated has done more than save time. It’s changed how Mike spends his day. “It helps with a bunch of things. I’m less of a presenter and more of a facilitator.” 

That shift allows him to move around the room, check in with students, and offer one-on-one support. For Mike, that time has been invaluable in building stronger relationships and helping students feel seen and supported.

Impact of Pear Assessment in the classroom

For Mike, Pear Assessment has become an essential part of teaching. It helps students practice in the same formats they will see on state exams, builds their confidence, and contributes to rising scores. Just as important, it gives him the freedom to step away from constant presenting and spend more time working directly with students.

The result is a classroom where assessments are not only easier to manage but also more meaningful for students. They are opportunities for practice, growth, and stronger connections. 

Learn more about bringing Pear Assessment to your school. 

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