Questionable Spelling Word

I'm in this class where you have to take 7 tests that make sure you as a future teacher know how to spell, read, and write properly. It's no secret that I'm not a spelling bee champ. I have yet to pass the spelling test. The deal is if you don't pass the test you have to go to this reading lab and practice for 100 minutes and then re-take the test. One of the words on my practice test was negro. Why a teacher would ever have that on a spelling test or write that on the board is a mystery to me.