Several days prior to the exam date, students receive six problems based on the main concepts discussed during the semester. The problems require some computation along with opportunities to make judgments based on the results of the computations. Students work in cooperative learning groups of three or four to solve the problems and to practice presenting their understanding of each one. They use their books and notes and ask questions of the teacher or other classmates as they feel the need. They often meet outside of class time as a group to continue their preparations.
Parents assist with practice sessions before exam day arrives.
Educators from nearby school districts who are curious to know more about the panel assessment process also sometimes serve as judges. Prior to the exam, the panel judges receive the complete set of problems, the answers, and the scoring procedures. On the day of the exams, student groups go before the panels of judges as a team. Currently, the assessments take place in the classroom and the school library, where tables are arranged so that no two groups of students are able to see each other. Each panel assesses only one team for Algebra II and one team for Precalculus.