11 th Grade Parent Meeting – ACT Plus Writing and ACT WorkKeys Wausau East High School October 8, 2014

The New Era of Accountability: School Report Cards Educator Effectiveness System Student Learning Objectives (SLO’s) School Learning Objectives

How will schools be held accountable? Student Achievement proficiency in reading and math on state assessments Student growth measured by year-to year improvements in achievement Closing Gaps in performance between specific groups (comparing English language learners, low-income students, students with disabilities, and members of a racial or ethnic group with their peers) On-track and Postsecondary Readiness is a measurement using predictors of high school graduation and potential post high school success

How will schools be held accountable ? (continued) Schools and districts are also evaluated on their test participation, chronic absenteeism, and dropout rates. These are measures of school engagement. Based on those scores, schools and districts will be placed into one of five categories, ranging from Fails to Meet Expectations to Significantly Exceeds Expectations. School and District Report Cards are issued annually.

Demonstrating Student Growth and Narrowing the Achievement Gap ACT Aspire for 9 th Graders (Fall and Spring) WKCE for 10 th Graders (Fall) ACT Aspire for 10 th Graders (Spring) ACT and ACT WorkKeys for 11 th Graders

All 11 th graders in the State of Wisconsin will take the ACT Plus Writing on March 3, 2015 and the ACT WorkKeys on March 4, The exam makeup dates are March 17 and 18, 2015.

The ACT Plus Writing Exam The ACT Plus Writing consist of four multiple choice tests: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science; and a 30 minute essay test that measures student writing skills. This year, it will be a paper and pencil exam.

Scoring the ACT Plus Writing ACT scores range from 1 to 36 for each of the subtests and one overall score called a test composite. In most situations, scores earned on the ACT can be used by students for college enrollment, scholarships, and NCAA eligibility requirements. Many UW System colleges require ACT scores for college entrance.

The ACT WorkKeys Exam The WorkKeys test stresses skills development important for every type of employment. The abilities to learn, listen, communicate, work in teams, and solve problems – all areas addressed by WorkKeys – are important assets for any employee. They are also extremely important in today’s colleges.

Because WorkKeys measures skills valued by employers, students can use their results to get a better picture of their chances for success in the workforce and to improve areas where their skills are weak. Schools can use the information to ensure that their courses of study provide adequate work skills training to meet the needs of businesses.

WorkKeys will measure the following 8 workplace skills: Applied Mathematics Applied Technology Listening Locating Information Observation Reading for Information Teamwork Writing

Sore reports will be available 4-6 weeks after each assessment is given.

What happens to the test results? Students and their counselors are the only ones to receive individual score reports. Students may share their scores with colleges or universities Students can use their WorkKeys results to identify jobs for which they are qualified and to improve areas where their skills are weak Employers may request – with a student’s permission – scores for recruiting, selection and training. Students can earn National Career Readiness Certificates (NCRC) that are recognized nationally by businesses and industries.

Preparing our Lumberjacks: ACT test proctors providing professional development for our staff – the format of ACT questions. (January – February) Teachers utilizing ACT question formatting on quizzes and exams (February) ACT practice questions in English, Math, Social Studies (reading), and Science All 11 th graders attending a learning session focusing on what to expect on the ACT exams

Practice tests and sample test questions: html html