1. Explore, Plan, & ACT 2011 Parent Score Review Session

2. Standardized Tests – Why take them?  EXPLORE (8 th -9 th grades) A baseline assessment that provides early indicators of college readiness (Benchmark Scores) helps students develop rigorous high school courses Useful career exploration and planning program  PLAN (10th grade) A midpoint assessment that identifies areas of academic need Connects students with colleges Serves 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

3. Benefits of taking Standardized 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

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

5. Minimum Scores for College Readiness http://www.act.org/standard/pdf/CRS.pdf

6. Understanding Your Test Scores

7. Track/Compare Scores

8. Are you on Track?

10. Planning for College

11. Are you on Track?

12. Career Choice Recommendations

13. Assessing Strengths/Weaknesses

14. PSAT

15. EXPLORE Benchmarks EXPLORE College Readiness Benchmarks SubjectTest ScoreNational Average English1415.7 Math1816.3 Reading1615.4 Science2017.1

16. PLAN Benchmarks PLAN College Readiness Benchmarks SubjectTest ScoreNational Average English1516.2 Math1917.6 Reading1716.7 Science2117.8

17. ACT Readiness ACT College Readiness Benchmarks SubjectTest ScoreNational Average English1820.6 Math2221.1 Reading2121.3 Science2420.9 Writing6-

18. 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

19. 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)