December Coffee Talk-Testing

Pre-Test on Testing

Discussion Topics College Admissions Tests-PSAT -

SAT I & SAT II - ACT - CPT AP Testing FCAT - EOCs - ASVAB Semester Exams Test Preparation

College Admissions Tests

PSAT- Preliminary SAT

Taken in grades 10 & 11 in mid-October

1. Provides practice for SAT with feedback via “My College Quick Start”

2. Utilized for National Merit Scholarship qualification in grade 11

3. Provides information from colleges via the Student Search Service

PSAT ContentThe PSAT/NMSQT includes five

sections:

Two 25-minute critical reading sections

Two 25-minute math sections

One 30-minute writing skills section

The whole test requires two hours and 10 minutes.

PSAT Critical ReadingCritical ReadingTwo 25-minute critical reading

sections = 48 questions13 Sentence completions

Sentence Completion questions measure your knowledge of the meanings of words and ability to understand how the different parts of a sentence logically fit together.

35 Critical reading questions Passage-Based Reading questions measure your ability to read and think carefully about a single reading passage or a pair of related passages.

PSAT Math

Math Two 25-minute math sections = 38 questions 28 multiple-choice math questions 10 Student-produced responses or grid-ins

Students are advised to bring a calculator with which they are comfortable. Students should have basic knowledge of 4 math categories:Numbers and Operation Algebra and Functions (but not 3rd year level math that may appear on the new SAT) Geometry and Measurement Data Analysis, Statistics and Probability

PSAT Writing Skills

Writing Skills One 30-minute writing section = 39 questions 14 Identifying sentence errors 20 Improving sentences 5 Improving paragraph questions

These multiple-choice questions on writing skills measure a student's ability to express ideas effectively in standard-written English, to recognize faults in usage and structure, and to use language with sensitivity to meaning.

My College Quickstart

To access a student’s most recent test results online, they will need a College Board website account and the access code printed on his/her PSAT/NMSQT paper score report.

My College QuickStart allows students to:

1. View PSAT scores and projected SAT scores2. Review questions he/she answered incorrectly —

and why 3. Practice for the SAT with hundreds of practice

questions 4. Save college searches 5. Take a personality test to find majors and careers

matching those results

SAT 1 Reasoning Test

What does the SAT test?The SAT doesn’t test logic or abstract reasoning. It tests the

skills learned in school: reading, writing and math. The knowledge and skills in these subjects are important for success in college and throughout life

The critical reading section includes reading passages and sentence completions.

The writing section includes a short essay and multiple-choice questions on identifying errors and improving grammar and usage.

The mathematics section includes questions on arithmetic operations, algebra, geometry, statistics and probability

SAT 1 Critical Reading

Critical Reading 200-800 points 3 Sections total 70 Minutes

One 20-minute section consists of 19 Sentence completion questions Tests your vocabulary and your understanding of sentence structure.

Two 25-minute sections consist of 48 Passage-based reading questions testing your comprehension of what is stated in or implied by the passage.

SAT 1Math

Math 200-800 points 70 Minutes One 20-minute section

Two 25-minute sections

44 Multiple choice You're asked to solve a problem and pick the best choice offered.

10 Student-produced responses You are not given answer choices. You must solve the problem and "grid in" your answers.

Math Content SAT 1The following math concepts are evaluated on the SAT 1:Numbers and Operation Arithmetic word problems (including percent, ratio, and

proportion) Properties of integers (even, odd, prime numbers,

divisibility, etc.) Rational numbers Sets (union, intersection, elements) Counting techniques Sequences and series (including exponential growth) Elementary number theory

SAT 1 Math - continued

Algebra and Functions Substitution and simplifying algebraic expressions Properties of exponents Algebraic word problems Solutions of linear equations and inequalities Systems of equations and inequalities Quadratic equations Rational and radical equations Equations of lines Absolute value Direct and inverse variation Concepts of algebraic functions Newly defined symbols based on commonly used

operations

SAT 1Math -continued Geometry and Measurement

Area and perimeter of a polygon Area and circumference of a circle Volume of a box, cube, and cylinder Pythagorean Theorem and special properties of

isosceles, equilateral, and right triangles Properties of parallel and perpendicular lines Coordinate geometry Geometric visualization Slope Similarity Transformations

SAT 1Math-continud

• Data Analysis, Statistics, and probability

• Data interpretation (tables and graphs)

• Descriptive statistics (mean, median, and mode)

• Probability

SAT 1 Writing• Writing 200-800 point

• 60 Total Minutes-One 10-minute section & Two 25-minute sections

• 25 Improving Sentences-Tests the ability to correct faults in usage and sentence structure, and recognize effective sentences that follow the conventions of Standard Written English.

• 18 Identifying sentence errors-Tests the ability to recognize faults in usage, and recognize effective sentences that follow the conventions of Standard Written English.

• 6 Improving Paragraphs-Tests the ability to revise sentences in the context of a paragraph or the entire essay, organize and develop paragraphs in a coherent and logical manner, and apply the conventions of Standard Written English.

• 1 Essay-The SAT begins with the essay. Students are asked to present and support a point of view on a specific issue. With only 25 minutes, the essay is not expected to be polished - it is meant to be a first draft.

SAT II What? SAT II are hour-long, content-based

subject area tests in five general subject areas: English, history, languages, mathematics and sciences. Students may take up to 3 tests per administration. 20 tests total are available.

Why? Fulfill admission requirements; some colleges

require or recommend that you take SAT Subject Tests

Potentially satisfy basic course requirements to be eligible for admission

Potentially place out of introductory college classes

ACT

The ACT test assesses high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work.

The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science.

The Writing Test, which is optional, measures skill in planning and writing a short essay

ACT English

The English test is a 75-question, 45-minute test, covering:

Usage/Mechanics•Punctuation •grammar and usage •sentence structure

Rhetorical Skills•strategy •organization •style

ACT Math

The ACT Mathematics Test is a 60-question, 60-minute test designed to measure the mathematical skills students have typically acquired in courses taken by the end of 11th grade.

Pre-Algebra (23%). Elementary Algebra (17%). Intermediate Algebra (15%). Coordinate Geometry (15%). Plane Geometry (23%). Trigonometry (7%).

ACT Reading The Reading Test is a 40-question, 35-minute test that

measures reading comprehension. Students are asked to read four passages and answer questions that show understanding of what is directly stated or implied.

The Reading Test is based on four types of reading selections: social studies, natural sciences, prose fiction, and humanities. The Social Studies/Sciences subscore is based on the questions on the social studies and natural sciences passages, and the Arts/Literature subscore is based on the questions on the prose fiction and humanities passages.

Social Studies (25%). Natural Sciences (25%). Prose Fiction (25%). Humanities (25%).

ACT Science The Science Test is a 40-question, 35-minute test

that measures the skills required in the natural sciences: interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem solving.

The content of the Science Test includes biology, chemistry, physics, and the Earth/space sciences (for example, geology, astronomy, and meteorology).. The test emphasizes scientific reasoning skills over recall of scientific content, skill in mathematics, or reading ability.

The scientific information is conveyed in one of three different formats:

Data Representation (38%). Research Summaries (45%). Conflicting Viewpoints (17%).

ACT Writing

The Writing Test is a 30-minute essay test that measures writing skills—specifically those writing skills emphasized in high school English classes and in entry-level college composition courses.

The test consists of one writing prompt that will define an issue and describe two points of view on that issue. Students are asked to respond to a question about their position on the issue described in the writing prompt. In doing so, they may adopt one or the other of the perspectives described in the prompt, or may present a different point of view on the issue. Scores will not be affected by the point of view taken on the issue.

SAT Versus ACTSAT – Advantages

The SAT has 10 short sections, the longest of which is 25-minutes. For students who like short bursts of attention, this format is friendly.

Math students who are not skilled in the arts of trigonometry or calculus need not fear SAT math: it is largely a review of 9th and 10th grade math, along with a few reasoning concepts.

About 1/4 of Critical Reading questions are vocabulary-based, so those students strong in reading and vocabulary will fare well on SAT Critical Reading.

Beginning with the class of 2010 and all successive classes, SAT will offer score choice, that is, students can choose to send their best scores from one test administration while effectively suppressing scores from all others.

SAT – Challenges The SAT is about 4 hours long, a real endurance grind for students without

the stamina. SAT penalizes ¼ point for incorrect answers. For those students not thrilled about the prospect of writing essays, the SAT

opens with a timed essay exercise that is graded and factored into your Writing score.

SAT versus ACT

ACT -- Advantages

The ACT has only 4 sections, the longest of which is 1 hour. For those who like a simple structure, the ACT administration is lean and clear.

The ACT is about 3 hours long, less of an endurance challenge than the SAT.

The ACT allows you to test multiple times with score choice; that is, after testing several times, you reserve the right to send only your highest score to colleges.

The ACT does not penalize for incorrect answers.

SAT versus ACTACT -- Challenges

The ACT’s time demand can be profound; the reading section offers 4 passages and 40 questions in 35 minutes, a daunting challenge to many. Although its overall 4-section structure is simple, section by section it presents time management challenges.

The ACT features a Science section that challenges many students who have difficulty reasoning with numbers and graphs. This section is not at all obviously correlated to in-school curriculum.

The ACT tests math concepts that include trigonometry and does so in a math section comprised of 60 questions to be completed in 60 minutes. This content and format can challenge some math students, depending upon their curricular preparation and aptitude.

For those students who have had no formal grammar training, the ACT English will certainly challenge their knowledge of colons, hyphens, commas, etc. It’s an excellent but challenging test of proofreading.

FAQS1. What type of tests are the SAT and ACT? The SAT Reasoning Test is designed to measure the reading, mathematical and

writing abilities important for success in college. The ACT gives estimates of students‘ current level of educational development in knowledge and skill areas, including English usage, mathematics, reading and science, with an optional writing test available.

2. When do most high school students take the SAT or ACT? Generally, students take the tests during the spring of their junior year and the fall of

their senior year. 3. May I take the SAT or ACT more than one time? Yes, you may take the exams as many times as you wish. Most colleges will accept

your highest score(s). There are a few colleges that will average scores after the third administration. Check with the individual colleges‘ websites for their particular requirements.

4. How do I know whether I should take the SAT or ACT? Most colleges will accept either test. However, you should research the colleges

you‘re interested in to see if there is a preferred test. If you have not made a college choice by the fall of your senior year, it is a good idea to take both tests.

5. How do I register for the SAT or ACT? You may register online for the SAT at www.collegeboard.com and for ACT at

www.actstudent.org . Mail in applications are also available and should be mailed to the testing company by the registration deadline will take longer to process; be sure to send them at least 3 to 4 weeks before the deadline.

FAQS-cont.6. What are SAT Subject Tests? Also known as SAT II, SAT Subject Tests are required or recommended by many

selective colleges, in addition to the SAT Reasoning Test or ACT. 20 SAT Subject Tests are offered in different academic areas, including history, literature, science, math, and foreign language. Some colleges require as many as three subject tests. Check colleges‘ catalogs or online for specific requirements. These tests cannot be taken on the same day as the SAT Reasoning Test. A maximum of three SAT Subject Tests may be taken on one testing date.

7. How do I register for the SAT Subject Tests? The SAT application website www.collegeboard.com allows you to register for the

Reasoning Test or Subject Tests.8. Which test is required by the Florida public 4-year colleges? Florida universities accept either the SAT 1 or ACT with writing test. 9. Which test should I take if I plan on attending a community college? Florida community and state colleges accept the SAT 1, ACT, or CPT. The English

and math scores are used for correct placement in the freshman English and math classes. PBSC administers the Computerized Placement Test (CPT), if you haven‘t taken the SAT or ACT, or if your SAT or ACT is too low. Your score on the CPT provides information about your college readiness in reading, English and mathematics

FAQS-Cont.

10. How do I get my SAT & ACT scores sent to a college? At the time of SAT & ACT application you may indicate up to 4 college(s) to which you wish your scores to be sent. You may request additional colleges for a fee after taking the test by requesting a Score Report. The easiest way to have additional colleges receive your test scores is through the testing service‘s website.

11. Will your high school receive a copy of all test scores? It is very important that your school receive a copy of your results, especially for Bright Futures scholarship consideration and dual enrollment eligibility. Be sure to enter our high school code on the registration application. Test scores will then be posted on your transcript. Park Vista Community High School’s code is 101923.

12. Will the Guidance Department or my teachers personally remind me to take the SAT, ACT or SAT Subject Tests? NO. It is your responsibility to obtain the application and be aware of the testing dates. Testing dates and registration deadlines are posted in the Guidance Office and included in this booklet; see the chart below for 2010 – 2011 dates.

13. What are the testing dates and registration deadlines for the SAT and ACT? ACT Test and Registration Dates?

13. What are the testing dates and registration deadlines for the SAT and ACT Tests

ACT Test Dates: Regular Registration Deadline:

Nonrefundable Late Fee Required From:

September 11, 2010 August 6, 2010 August 7 – 20, 2010

October 23, 2010 September 17, 2010 September 18 – October 1, 2010

December 11, 2010 November 5, 2010 November 6 – 19, 2010

February 12, 2011 January 7, 2011 January 8 – 21, 2011

April 9, 2011 March 4, 2011 March 5 – 18, 2011

June 11, 2011 May 6, 2011 May 7 – 20, 2011

SAT Program Test Calendar

Test Dates Registration Dates Late Registration Dates

October 9, 2010 September 10 September 24

*November 6, 2010* October 8 October 22

December 4, 2010 November 5 November 19

January 22, 2011 December 23 January 7

March 12, 2011 February 11 February 25

May 7, 2011 April 8 April 22

June 4, 2011 May 6 May 20

CPT (college placement test)The CPT, or Florida College Entrance Level Placement Test (FCELPT) was developed by

the FLDOE in collaboration with the College Board in 1993 to assess the basic computation and communication skills of students who intend to enter a degree program at any public community college or state college.

The CPT consists of 4 score areas as follows:

Reading (RC)

Sentence Skills (SS English)

Elementary algebra (EA)

College Level Math (CLM)

All about the CPTWhy Take the CPT?

The CPT may be utilized in place of SAT or ACT scores for course placement at PBSC or any other Florida Public state college or community college, including for dual enrolled high school students.

What is a passing score on the CPT?

College ready scores which allow placement into college level courses are as follows:

Reading (RC) 83

Sentence Skills (SS English) 83

Elementary Algebra (EA) 72

College Level Math (CLM) 44 (for college algebra)

How to take the CPT?The CPT is offered during regular hours of operation at all of Palm Beach State College campuses. Test fees are as follows, first time free to high school students, $15.00 for new PBSC students, and$25.00 for current PBSC students. Students must wait thirty days before re-taking the CPT. No appointment is necessary. NOTE: Photo ID required. Proof of English proficiency may be required prior to the administration of this test for students whose first language is not English.

AP Exams

The Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) courses give you a head start on college while you’re still in the supportive environment of a high school classroom. Taking the end-of-course AP Exam sends a powerful message to colleges and universities that a student is ready for them, and can enable students to gain admission, college credit, and placement into advanced courses.

Why take AP exams?

Most of the nation’s colleges and universities, plus colleges and universities in 24 other countries, grant students admission, credit, and/or placement forqualifying AP Exam grades.

For example, at Princeton, students can use qualifyingAP Exam grades to: Graduate in three or three-and-a-half years Enter upper-level courses Fulfill a foreign language requirement

What’s the differencebetween credit and placement?

Some colleges award “credit” for qualifyingAP Exam grades. This means you actuallyearn points toward your college degree.

Others award “advanced placement.” This means you can skip introductory courses,enter higher-level classes, and/or fulfillgeneral education requirements.

AP courses offered at PV

English LanguageEnglish LiteratureSpanish LanguageFrench LanguageHuman GeographyPsychologyWorld HistoryEuropean HistoryU.S. Government & PoliticsMusic TheoryComparative Politics

Environmental Science

Chemistry

Biology

Calculus AB

Calculus BC

Statistics

Studio Art 2D

Studio Art 3D

U.S. History

Micro Economics

AP Exam Content

AP Exams consists of 2 parts:

1)Multiple Choice questions

2) Free Response Questions/Reading and Essays (foreign languages also include a recorded speaking component within the free response section)

*Studio Art substitutes a portfolio in place of a written exam.

FCAT

What is the FCAT? The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test®

(FCAT) is the foundation of the statewide educational assessment and accountability program. The FCAT program includes assessments in the following areas:

Writing for students in grades 4, 8, and 10

Reading and mathematics for students in grades 3-10

Science for students in grades 5, 8, and 11

What is the purpose of the FCAT? The purpose of the statewide assessments is to gather information of two kinds:

Parents, students, and teachers need FCAT data to provide information about student mastery of

skills. The public needs FCAT data to understand the

“educational health” of students and to hold schools and districts accountable for progress.

FCAT Graduation Requirement

Graduation classes of 2011 and 2012 (current Juniors and Seniors)

Reading- FCAT passing scale score of 300 (DSS 1926) or

SAT critical reading score of 420 or ACT reading score of 18

Math- FCAT passing scale score of 300 (DSS 1889) or

SAT math score of 340 or ACT math score of 15 math

FCAT 2.0Class of 2013 (current 10th graders)

Reading: A Scale Score of 300 (Developmental Scale Score - DSS 1926) on the Grade 10 FCATFCAT 2.0 is required. (The 300 Scale Score will be linked to the previous FCAT.)

Mathematics: A Scale Score of 300 (DSS 1889) on FCAT Grade 10/Retake Test is required.

Class of 2014 (this year's) Entering 9th Graders

Reading: The minimum Scale Score in Achievement Level 3 on the Grade 10 FCAT 2.0is required. This Scale Score will be considered passing and proficient, and willbe set in fall 2011. The DSS is not available at this time.

Mathematics: Passing a state assessment is not required.

Class of 2015 (next year's) Entering 9th Graders

Reading: The minimum Scale Score in Achievement Level 3 on the Grade 10 FCAT 2.0is required. This Scale Score will be considered passing and proficient, and willbe set in fall 2011. The DSS is not available at this time.

Mathematics: The minimum Scale Score in Achievement Level 3 on the Algebra I EOC is required.This Scale Score will be considered passing and proficient, and will be set in fall 2011. A student must pass the Algebra 1 EOC to earn the Algebra 1 credit required for graduation.

End of Course Exams (EOC)

What are the Florida End-of-Course (EOC) Assessments?    

The Florida EOC Assessments are tests designed to measure student achievement of the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards for specific high-school level courses, as outlined in their course descriptions. These assessments are part of Florida’s Next Generation Strategic Plan for the purpose of increasing student achievement and improving college and career readiness. The first assessment to begin the transition to end-of-course testing in Florida is the Algebra 1 EOC Assessment, which will be

administered for the first time in May 2011.

EOC subjectsWhat subject areas will be tested by EOC assessments?

At this time, plans are underway to implement four new EOC assessments aligned to specific high-school level courses as follows:

Algebra 1 EOC Assessment – Course Number 1200310, Algebra 1

Geometry EOC Assessment – Course Number 1206310, Geometry

Biology 1 EOC Assessment – Course Number 2000310, Biology 1

U.S. History EOC Assessment – Course Number 2100310, United States History

Algebra 1 EOC

Which students will participate in the Algebra 1 EOC Assessment in spring 2011?

In spring 2011, the following students will participate in the Algebra 1 EOC Assessment:

Middle and High School students completing Algebra 1, Algebra 1B, or an equivalent course for Algebra 1 credit during the 2010-11 school year.

Incoming 9th graders who have previously completed Algebra 1 (or an equivalent course).

ASVABAdministered in December at PV, the ASVAB is a

nationally-normed, multi-aptitude test battery that has been provided to high schools and post-secondary schools since 1968.

The ASVAB Program recently was re-designed to be helpful to virtually all students, whether they are planning on immediate employment after high school in civilian or military occupations, or further education at a university, community college, or vocational institution.

ASVABSeveral composite scores are formed from different combinations of ASVAB test scores.

Three composites, or Career Exploration Scores, are provided specifically to help students engage in career exploration. These scores help students to get a good sense of their verbal, math, science, and technical skills compared to other students in the same grade. ASVAB results are reported to students and counselors on the ASVAB Summary Results sheet.

This report shows grade-specific, gender-specific, combined standard scores and score bands for all eight tests and three Career Exploration Scores. It also provides students with percentile-based interpretations of those scores.

ASVAB subtestsTHE 8 ASVAB TEST AREAS ARE

General Science A 25-item test measuring knowledge of life science, earth and space science, and physical science

Arithmetic Reasoning A 30-item test measuring ability to solve basic arithmetic word problems

Word Knowledge A 35-item test measuring ability to understand the meaning of words through synonyms

Paragraph Comprehension A 15-item test measuring ability to obtain information from written material

Mathematics Knowledge A 25-item test measuring knowledge of mathematical concepts and applications

Electronics Information A 20-item test measuring knowledge of electrical current, circuits, devices, and electronic systems

Auto and Shop Information A 25-item test measuring knowledge of automotive maintenance and repair, and wood and metal shop practices

Mechanical Comprehension A 25-item test measuring knowledge of the principles of mechanical devices, structural support, and properties of materials

Semester Exams High school students are required to take a semester examination

for each course excluding the senior exemptions. High school course grades are reported on student transcripts as

semester grades. Each marking period (9 weeks) grade counts 40% of the semester

grade. Semester examinations at the high school level count 20% of the

final semester grade. To receive a passing grade for the semester, the student must earn

passing grades in two of the three grades used to calculate the semester average.

Any student who has 11 or more weighted absences for a course for the semester must take and pass the semester exam in order to earn credit in the course (“weighted” refers to extended block periods counting as two absences on odd or even block days).

Failure to take an examination will result in the examination grade being an “I” (Incomplete). This grade will remain incomplete until the examination requirement is satisfied, which must be completed during the next nine-week marking period. If the exam is not made up, the student fails the course for the semester and no credit shall be issued.

Senior Exam Exemptions

Graduating seniors who have received passing grades in each of the third and fourth nine weeks, and who have been in attendance with 10 or less absences for the semester, may, at their option, be exempt from the final examination.

Should the graduating senior choose NOT to take the final examination, the semester grade will be determined by the average of the third and fourth grading period grades. If these are adjacent grades, the average will trend with the fourth quarter grade.

Fifth year graduating seniors are not exempt from first semester or final examinations.

Test Prep.

PSAT: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/prep.html

SAT 1: http://sat.collegeboard.com/practice/sat-practice-questions

SAT II: http://sat.collegeboard.com/practice/sat-subject-test-preparation

Test Prep. cont.ACT: http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/index.html

AP:http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/prep.html

General:http://www.testtakingtips.com/

http://www.studygs.net/tsttak1.htmhttp://www.teachervision.fen.com/study-skills/teaching-methods/6390.html

Questions and Answers