County students hope they had the right stuff to do well on the state’s writing test this week.

Students in grades 3-8 took the writing test Monday and Tuesday for the first part of the Palmetto Assessment of State Standards (PASS). Students were involved in makeup tests the remainder of the week.

The writing test for each grade level includes multiple choice questions and an essay item. Students will take the remaining PASS tests in English, mathematics, science and social studies some time in May.

District testing coordinator Kathy Phillips said the decision to give the writing test in March received favorable reviews from local schools.

“Schools seemed to like the idea of kids taking the writing test early,” Phillips said. “There has been a strong emphasis on writing since students returned from the Christmas break.”

The PASS test was created by state lawmakers last year in an effort to give school districts more specific information on the strengths and weaknesses of students. The establishment of PASS scores resulted in the state waiting until February to release the 2009 test results. Phillips said school districts expect to receive this year’s PASS results during the summer.