Powell Middle School Excellence for all students *

Thank you for attending Powell Middle School 8 th Grade Parent Night EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/2009 2

Results PMS Mean Composite Score 15.7 Mean National Composite Score 15.5 PMS English 15.7 National English 14.7 PMS Math 15.5 National Math 15.5 PMS Reading 14.6 National Reading 14.6 PMS Science 16.7 National Science 16.6

Goals 8 th grade students and their parents will understand how to interpret the EXPLORE assessment results and gain information about high schools. EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/2009 4

Why do test and ACT scores matter so much? EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/ Accountability : Teachers and students Placement and Best Practice: Like going to the doctor for a diagnosis Post-secondary: Competitive college admissions and Financial benefits $$$$$ TENNESSEE HOPE & OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS $$$$$ Students must meet the following requirements: Entering freshmen must have a minimum of a 21 ACT (980 SAT), exclusive of the essay and optional subject area battery tests OR Overall weighted minimum 3.0 grade point average (GPA) Home School graduates – minimum 21 ACT (980 SAT), exclusive of the essay and optional subject area battery tests GED Applicants – minimum 525 and 21 ACT (980 SAT), exclusive of the essay and optional subject area battery tests If a student ceases to be eligible for HOPE, except for GAMS and HOPE Access Grant, the student may regain HOPE, one-time only. TN ACHIEVES/ TN PROMISE: Last dollar grant covers 2 year community and technical programs

Why Do Students Take EXPLORE? When you understand and use the results… EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/  EXPLORE shows academic strengths and weaknesses in English, math, reading, and science  EXPLORE helps students think about different careers and which careers might be right for them  EXPLORE helps students think about high school courses that will prepare them for postsecondary education and work. (Decisions in choosing high school electives.)

Using Your EXPLORE ® Results Student Guide to EXPLORE EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/ EXPLORE PLAN ACT ASSESSMENT SYSTEM

EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/ EXPLORE Score Report Side 1

EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/2009 9

Your Scores EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/ *

Your Plans for After High School EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/ *4*4

College Readiness EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/ *5*5

Your High School Course Plans Compared to Core EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/ *3*3

Your Estimated PLAN Composite Score Range EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/

Areas in Which You Would Like Additional Help (Self-Monitoring) EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/ *

EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/ EXPLORE Score Report Side 2

Review Your Answers EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/

To Improve Your Skills Expectation: You will use your Score Report to Improve! EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/ *6*6

Your Career Possibilities EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/ * 7, 8

What Do We Know? Academic areas of student strength and weakness Detailed description of how a student can improve Areas of Career Interest For more information on career exploration, please see “Interpreting Your EXPLORE Results” or the Occupational Outlook Handbook at EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/

Discussion to have with your child: Your Individual Scores Did you meet your goal? (The score you wrote on Justin’s nose) Which academic area is your strongest? Which academic area is your weakest? What can you do to improve? What are some areas on career interests? High school classes & 4-year plan of study More than just scores: Be well-rounded. EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/ * 1,2

But I am NOT a good test taker! Take test prep courses and learn test taking strategies Boost your resume by showing strengths in other areas: Good GPA and rigorous classes, COMMUNITY SERVICE, Leadership, Athletics, Clubs, Groups, and Organizations, Jobs, Good References, WORK ETHIC, AND TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS. Good test takers need all of the above too.

Keys to Good Educational and Career Planning  Take challenging college prep courses in high school – more than the required courses.  Explore the many career options available to you and think about how your career choices will affect your future.  Set career goals and develop an educational “four year plan” to achieve them.  SCORES AND GPA MEAN NOTHING IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE SKILLS TO BE SUCCESSFUL!  Get involved in extra-curricular activities and community service. EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/2009

Transitioning into High School

How is high school placement done? Middle to high school communication form: Student data: TCAP & Explore test scores= placement based on cut scores. Teacher recommendation can override Parent input with high school counselor/administration: Academic Release High Registration: Representatives from Powell, Karns, & Central will come to Powell Middle and meet EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/

EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/

How is high school registration done? High Registration: Representatives from Powell, Karns, & Central will come to Powell Middle and meet with students in small groups. February 24-27: Powell High registration at Powell Middle (small groups by homeroom in 15 minute intervals 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.). February 26: 1:00 Karns High at PMS to register students and complete 4-year plans. February 27: 11:00 Central High at PMS to register students and complete 4-year plans. Parents are invited to attend. Please check with your child to find out their day and time to meet with PHS. EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/

Tennessee Diploma Project English4 credits Mathematics4 credits Science3 credits Social Studies3 credits Physical Educ/Wellness1.5 credits Personal Finance0.5 credit University requirements: Fine art & 2 years of same foreign language Four year plan of study: Elective focus: 3 credits from same area. Total of 28 credits

Choices After High School Vocational/ Technical School  TCAT  ITT Tech 4 year College/ University Work Military 2 year Community College Pellissippi Roane State

Zoning Information EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/

TRANSFER INFORMATION KCS offers one transfer window for magnet and general transfers Parents may now request transfers to any school within the Knox County Schools for the school year. The Knox County Schools now offers one transfer window for requests for transfers to magnet schools and for general transfers. The transfer window is open through 4 p.m. on February 17, EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/

EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/

Important Dates: February 24-27: Powell High registration at Powell Middle (small groups by homeroom 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.). February 26: 1:00 Karns High at PMS to register students and complete 4-year plans. February 27: 11:00 Central High at PMS to register students and complete 4-year plans. TBA: Powell High Rising Freshmen Parent Night at PHS March 5:30 Karns High Rising Freshmen Parent Night at KHS March 6:00 Central High Rising Freshmen parent meeting at CHS April 10: 8 th grade visits to feeder high schools (CHS, KHS, & PHS) Check high schools’ websites often for information 33

Did you know? L&N STEM Academy IB Program at West High School Communications Magnet Program at Fulton NEW Career Magnet Academy (at Pellissippi State Strawberry Plains campus) AVID program at Karns High School EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/

AVID at Karns High School: Karns High School offers the AVID Elective. AVID’s mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society focusing​ on writing, the inquiry method, collaborative teamwork and reading. AVID students at KHS are enrolled in a rigorous college preparatory curriculum as well as an elective AVID class that provides: academic instruction tutorial support motivational activities (college field trips/guest speakers) Contacts: Mrs. Laicee Hatfield/Administrator Mrs. Dedra Hall/Coordinator Go to and check out all that AVID has to offer!!! EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/

West High School: EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/

How do I become a part of the IB Program? 8 th Grade-Magnet Transfer Complete the Magnet Transfer application at You will be scheduled for a reading and writing assessment at WHS. Transfer application Visit West High School website. Contact Sarah Bast EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/

IB Program at West High School Began in Geneva, Switzerland as a single program for internationally mobile students preparing for university The first IB schools were private, international schools The program consisted of a common pre-university curriculum and a common set of external exams Today over half of all IB schools are public schools The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right. EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/

What makes the IB unique? IB encourages international mindedness in students Encourages a positive attitude toward learning by: – Encouraging students to ask challenging questions – Critical reflection – Developing research skills (Essay required) – Learning how to learn – Participating in community service EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/

FulCom: Fulton High School Communications Magnet School EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/

Austin-East Magnet High School EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/

L&N STEM Academy: School tours are scheduled every third Monday at 10 a.m. and every third Tuesday at 2 p.m. EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/

Career Magnet Academy EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/

Words of Wisdom from Abraham Lincoln “You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” “The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.” “In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.” “ Whatever you are, be a good one.” 44

Thank You! If you have questions or need to discuss your child’s results, please We value your input. Please leave your completed surveys in the boxes on your way out. EXPLORE Interpretive Visuals 9/