Subject area testing begins for Mississippi students Wednesday.

The exams are designed to find out how well the students at particular schools are learning the material.

It's especially important at places like Meridian High School, where administrators and teachers are trying to turn things around after several down years.

MHS leaders say they're ready to put students' hard work to the test.

This is the first year for principal, Victor Hubbard, and he says he's already very proud of his students' dedication to improvement.

"We have just encouraged the children to do what you have been taught to do," said Hubbard. "And that is to make sure that, number one, you have confidence in yourself. Because if you go without confidence, that is already a strike."

Students will sit for tests Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and next Tuesday.

The schedule for testing:
Wednesday - English II
Thursday - Algebra I
U.S. History - Friday
Biology I - Tuesday