NATCHEZ — Natchez students will be put to the test this week as they prepare for the annual state exams.

In Mississippi, students in grades three through eight are administered the Mississippi Curriculum Test 2.

Students in elementary and middle schools in Natchez will begin testing Tuesday and continue through Friday.

The MCT2 tests students on language arts and mathematics subject areas.

The assessments are used to put a label on the respective schools and district, while also helping teachers pinpoint students’ weaknesses and strengths before the following school year begins.

Results of the assessments are released in the fall.