FALL 2015 Standardized Testing

PSAT Wednesday, October 14, 2015 Results in December—very useful! 9 th graders-PSAT 8/9—baseline 10 th graders—just practice 11 th graders—practice and National Merit Qualifying

Old PSAT vs. New PSAT 3 sections Math Critical reading Writing skills Total score = section scores Each section worth hours, 10 minutes ¼ point deduction for incorrect answers 2 sections Math Evidence-based reading and writing Total score = section scores Each section worth hours, 45 minutes No penalty for incorrect answers Similar to new SAT

New PSAT (2015) Relevant Words in Context Command of Evidence Essay Analyzing a Source Focus on Math that Matters Most Problems Grounded in Real-World Contexts Analysis in Science and in History/Social Studies Founding Documents and Great Global Conversation No Penalty for Wrong Answers

Current SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) 3 sections: Math, Critical Reading, Writing Writing is not optional Are colleges looking at the writing section? Offered 7 times throughout the year Sitting: 2-3 times in winter/spring of 11 th grade/fall of 12 th grade

Structure of Current SAT 10 sections: 3 hours and 45 minutes One 25 minute Essay section Two 25 minute Math sections Two 25 minute Critical Reading sections One 25 minute multiple choice Writing section One 20 minute Math section One 20 minute Critical Reading section One additional 25 minute section of Math, CR, or Writing (unscored “variable” section) One 10 minute multiple choice writing section

Scoring for Current SAT A raw score between 200 and 800 is given in 10- pt. increments for each section category: Reading, Writing and Math National Average Scores Reading – 495 Math – 511 Writing – 484 Total score mean = 1490

SCHOLASTIC APTITUDE TEST (PSAT/SAT)

New SAT (2016) 3 Hours/4 parts: Reading, Writing and Language, Math, and 50-min optional essay (recommended) Relevant Words in Context Command of Evidence Essay Analyzing a Source Focus on Math that Matters Most Problems Grounded in Real-World Contexts Analysis in Science and in History/Social Studies Founding Documents and Great Global Conversation 400–1600 score scale 4 answer choices No Penalty for Wrong Answers

SAT Registration Offered at EA (testing site) on select dates EA Code Students with accommodations A valid ID is a must

SAT II: Subject Tests Literature United States History World History Math 1- Alg 2 and Geom Math 2- Pre-calc/Trig Biology Chemistry Physics Chinese French German Hebrew (reading only) Italian (reading only) Japanese Korean Latin (reading only) Spanish

SAT II: Subject Tests Who should take them? When? How many? Which tests? How are they used by colleges?

Score Choice SAT  Select by date (not by section) Subject Tests  Select by subject test NOT likely to make a difference

ACT (American College Testing) English, Reading, Math, Science Writing is optional, but take it! Not penalized for wrong answers Score choice by date Can replace SAT with Subject Tests at some colleges Offered 6 times throughout the year Students with testing accommodations

ACT Structure Four tests and one optional Essay test English  75 multiple choice questions  45 minute test Math  60 multiple choice questions  60 minute test  Emphasis on Geometry with some Algebra and Trigonometry Reading  40 multiple choice questions  35 minute test Science  40 multiple choice questions  35 minute test  Questions based on science-related passages Writing  1 optional essay  30 minute test

New for ACT (2015) Presents conversations around contemporary issues Offers three diverse perspectives that encourage critical engagement with the issue Asks students to develop an argument that puts their own perspective in dialogue with others 40 minutes to plan and compose Guidance and structure for planning and prewriting In previous version, students are given two different viewpoints, and are asked to take a position on one.

How the ACT is Scored Student will earn 1 to 36 on each test ACT composite score is the average of the (sub)tests (does not include writing). The national average is Students will see sub scores between 1-18 in some tests. These just provide more detail about performance. They are not used by colleges or universities.

Current SAT vs. ACT The Princeton Review… ACT questions tend to be more straightforward. SAT has a stronger emphasis on vocabulary. ACT has a science section; SAT does not. ACT tests more advanced math concepts. ACT Writing is “ optional.” (Take it.) The SAT is broken up into more sections. The ACT is more of a “ big picture ” exam.

Timeline Considerations Finals AP Exams When college applications are submitted

Advanced Placement (AP) Exams Register in March-EA automatically registers students  Use same name and SS# Classroom teacher will provide details Can help with admissions and earn credit/advanced standing Students with accommodations—get the same accommodations as for PSAT/SAT

Testing Preparation SAT/ACT  Independent work  Online resources (e.g., Khan Academy, SAT Question of the Day)  Group classes  Individual tutors Subject Tests/AP  Must study! Classes, study books, etc. General Strategies

AssessmentGrade LevelsTime Frame PSAT 8/99October PSAT10-11October Various Subject-Specific Achievement Tests/Competitions 9-12Late Winter/Spring SAT: I (Reasoning Test) and SAT: II (Subject Tests) 11-12Varies- Student Option ACT11-12Varies- Student Option Advanced Placement10-12 Standardized Testing Calendar

National Center for Fair and Open Testing Hundreds of schools no longer require standardized testing Mostly liberal arts colleges including some selective ones Usually need to provide a writing sample or alternative submission There may be exceptions

FREE SAT/ACT Prep: (both) (SAT only) Resources Naviance- access through EA’s website.

THANK YOU! Questions?