Knox Elementary School students clapped along while the Rev. Joseph Rembert performed his rap, “Test Me.” Rembert, wearing a gold cross hanging from a gold chain, stood in front of the crowd and asked, “Can you pass this test?”

“Yes we can,” the throng of students shouted back.

Rembert traveled to three Selma City elementary schools and one middle school Monday to encourage students to do their best on a battery of tests that begin today and continue until April 7.

Students’ achievement and attendance on The Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test, Sanford Achievement Test and the Otis-Lennon School Ability Test determine a school’s Adequate Yearly Progress status. All 11 Selma City Schools met AYP standards last year.

“This year, we’re encouraging them to go above those standards,” Superintendent Dr. Austin Obasohan said. “We want them to take it to the next level.”

Knox met AYP standards the last four years, and principal Joslyn Reddick said there is no change of plans for this year.

“We want to put a fifth year under our belt,” Reddick said.

Students participated in a number of activities throughout the year to prepare for the tests.

Fifth-grade student Makilah Murray said she made a booklet and took practice tests.

“In my class, we made a booklet of the different subjects we’re doing,” Murray said. “It’s a fun activity, but we’re still learning.”