Explore, Plan, & ACT2011 Parent Score Review Session

Standardized Tests –Why take them? EXPLORE (8th-9th grades)

A baseline assessment that provides early indicators of college readiness (Benchmark Scores)

helps students develop rigorous high school coursesUseful career exploration and planning program

PLAN (10th grade)A midpoint assessment that identifies areas of academic

needConnects students with collegesServes as a powerful predictor of performance on the

ACT. ACT (11th-12th grades)

Measures what students have learned, what they are ready to learn next, and what they must learn to prepare for college

Used as a standard for college admissions

Benefits of takingStandardized Tests• Increases students’ college readiness• Increases education achievement• Encourages students to take rigorous,

college prep courses• Promotes educational and career

planning• Increases college enrollment,

persistence, and success

http://www.act.org/standard/pdf/CRS.pdf

Minimum Scores for College Readiness

http://www.act.org/standard/pdf/CRS.pdf

Understanding Your Test Scores

Track/Compare Scores

Are you on Track?

Are you on Track?

Planning for College

Are you on Track?

Career Choice Recommendations

Assessing Strengths/Weaknesses

PSAT

EXPLORE Benchmarks

EXPLORE College Readiness Benchmarks

Subject Test Score National Average

English 14 15.7

Math 18 16.3

Reading 16 15.4

Science 20 17.1

PLAN Benchmarks

PLAN College Readiness Benchmarks

Subject Test Score National Average

English 15 16.2

Math 19 17.6

Reading 17 16.7

Science 21 17.8

ACT Readiness

ACT College Readiness Benchmarks

Subject Test Score National Average

English 18 20.6

Math 22 21.1

Reading 21 21.3

Science 24 20.9

Writing 6 -

TA’s Plan for Continuing to Raise Academic Standards• Increasing course rigor • College Prep Class• Study Skills Seminar• ALEKS Math Program• Aligning curriculum with Common Core

Standards• Standards-based grading• Teacher Coaching• Professional Learning Communities

TA’s Plan for Continuing to Raise Academic Standards

• Student Prep Options– Aggressive Learning (Don Milner)– StudyWorks Test Prep (www.studyworks.com)

– FREE practice questions and full-length practice tests or• Princeton Review (www.princetonreview.com)

• $69.95 online prep course for 12 months (https://satonlinecourse.collegeboard.com/SR/index.jsp)