explore results interpretation and comparison 2011-2012
TRANSCRIPT
EXPLORE
Standardized test normed for 8th and 9th graders
First in sequence: EXPLORE, PLAN, ACT
In Whitehall, taken in the 7th and 8th grade
Designed to measure college readiness standards
SubjectSubject # of questions# of questions Minutes to Minutes to completecomplete
EnglishEnglish 4040 3030
ReadingReading 3030 3030
MathMath 3030 3030
ScienceScience 2828 3030
The English Test
Measures standard written English - punctuation, grammar and usage and sentence structure (usage and mechanics)
Measures use of strategy, organization, and style of writing (rhetorical skills)
The Reading Test
Measures ability to understand written material in different subjects
Skills measured include referring to detail, drawing conclusions, making comparisons and generalizations
Passages include prose fiction, humanities, and social sciences
The Math Test
Measures mathematical reasoning
Focus is on the ability to reason
Questions cover knowledge and skills, application, and understanding concepts in pre-algebra, elementary algebra, geometry and statistics and probability
The Science Test
Measures scientific reasoning skills
Measures ability to draw conclusions from scientific information
Information is presented through data representation, research summaries, and conflicting viewpoints
Drawn from life science, earth/space science, and physical science
EXPLORE BENCHMARKS (scores to predict college success)
EnglishEnglish 1313
ReadingReading 1515
MathMath 1717
ScienceScience 2020
Your score report
Information about your knowledge, skills, interests, and plans
Use to plan high school coursework and begin thinking about college and work
MICHIGAN MERIT CURRICULUM (high school requirements)
English: 4 credits
Science: 3 credits including Biology, Chemistry OR Physics and one additional credit
Social Studies: 3 credits including World History, U.S. History and Government/Economics
PE/Health: 1 credit
Arts: 1 credit
Foreign Language: 2 credits
Online learning experience
What do your scores mean?
Scores 1-25
Composite is the average of all test scores (English, Reading, Math, and Science)
Scores in English are divided into Usage and Mechanics and Rhetorical Skills. These sub- scores are from 1-12
Are You on Track?
Your scores can predict how you may do on future tests like PLAN and ACT
These are predictions and may vary based on the number of challenging courses you enroll in and how hard you work
How Do Your Scores Compare?
The percentage on score sheet represents the percent of students scoring at or below your score in the nation
The local percent shows the percent of students scoring at or below your score in Whitehall
How can you improve?
Take courses recommended for college
Challenge yourself
Use the test booklets to check your answers to improve on the 8th grade EXPLORE test
Ask for help from teachers
Take advantage of NHS tutors
Take practice tests at www.actstudent.org
Your Future
Educational plans indicate what education or training you plan after high school
Career area preference is the area you indicated you liked
EXPLORE, PLAN, ACT
ProgramProgram Grade levelGrade level Score rangeScore range
EXPLOREEXPLORE 8 or 98 or 9 1-251-25
PLANPLAN 1010 1-321-32
ACTACT 11 or 1211 or 12 1-361-36
Why Go to College?
College grads have roughly half the unemployment rate of those without degrees
Median earnings for college grads are about $21,900 more per year which is almost $1 million more over a lifetime (information from Time magazine October 31, 2011, "I Owe U" by Kristina Dell)
Employability and College Planning
U.S. isn't producing enough science and math graduates
High paying positions are going unfilled or to foreign applicants (information from Time magazine October 31, 2011 "I Owe U" by Kristina Dell)
Where can I find my scores?
1. Score reports will be sent home
2. Your scores have been recorded on your EDP atwww.careercruising.com
Username: WDS-student number Password: birthdate (120499)
3. Parents may use the new parent portal activation account
For more information:Contact Mrs. Lori Hartman
893-1030 x4700