1. Loftis Middle School Attention all 8 th graders: EXPLORE testing will take place on Thur. Oct. 29th 2015! Taking EXPLORE tells you things you need to know to plan your high school courses, prepare for the ACT, or choose a career direction.

2. What is the EXPLORE?  The EXPLORE prepares eighth graders for their high school coursework and post-high school choices.  EXPLORE is the first part of a testing system that goes on to include the PLAN and the ACT.  Typically, students take the EXPLORE in the 8 th or 9 th grade, PLAN as 10 th graders, and the ACT as juniors or seniors. LMS 8 th graders will take the EXPLORE on the morning of Thursday, October 29th

3. What is the EXPLORE like? EXPLORE includes four multiple –choice tests covering English, math, reading, and science- the same subjects covered on the ACT test. SubjectNumber of QuestionsTime Limit English4030 min Math3030 min Reading3030 min Science2830 min EXPLORE also includes a 72 item interest inventory!

4. EXPLORE, PLAN and the ACT How Scores Compare All three test you in English, math, reading, and science. However, the material tested in each program gets more difficult. This is why the top scores are different. ProgramGrade LevelComposite Score Range EXPLORE8 / 91 to 25 PLAN101 to 32 ACT11/ 121 to 36

5. Why do we take EXPLORE?  Track progress /identify areas of academic strength and weakness  Early indicator of readiness for college  High school course plan  Identify careers of interest  Help raise awareness and prepare students for the ACT  Tennessee HOPE Scholarship -Entering freshmen must have a minimum of a 21 ACT, exclusive of the essay and optional subject area battery tests- or overall weighted minimum 3.0 grade point average (GPA)  Award amount – Up to $1,750 per semester as a freshman or sophomore at an eligible four-year postsecondary institution or a two-year eligible postsecondary institution that offers on- campus housing, and $2,250 as a junior or senior. Up to $1,500 per semester at an eligible two-year postsecondary institution. Awards to part-time enrolled students are prorated.

6. How has LMS been doing? 2012-2013 Class of 2015 2013-2014 Class of 2016 2014-2015 Class of 2017National English 16.216.81714.7 Math 16.31716.715.5 Reading 15.71615.714.6 Science 17.317.117.716.6 Composite 17.5 17.815.5

7. Benchmarks = on track/College Readiness Has LMS been meeting the benchmarks? 2012-2013 Class of 2015 2013-2014 Class of 2016 2014-2015 Class of 2017National English 16.216.81714.7 Math 16.31716.715.5 Reading 15.71615.714.6 Science 17.317.117.716.6 Composite 17.5 17.815.5

8. Some Tips for Doing Your Best on the EXPLORE: Do YOUR BEST!! Get plenty of rest the night before the test Be on time for school that morning (10/29/15) Eat breakfast Follow directions exactly Come prepared (bring your calculator and pencils) Pace yourself *. You are timed. Don’t spend too much time on one question* Be sure to answer EVERY question. If you leave it blank, it will be marked as incorrect, so it is better to guess than not answer a question! Not sure of the answer? First rule out every wrong answer you can, then pick the best answer from those left. Don’t spend too much time on one question, you can always skip it and go back.

9. After taking the EXPLORE:  Follow-up EXPLORE Parent Night (early Q3)  Gain a better understanding of planning for high school coursework; EXPLORE results will be used when 8 th graders complete 4 year plans next semester  Explore careers that are of interest using your EXPLORE report along with another interest inventory we will take later this year.  Identify areas of academic strengths and weaknesses (personalized tips just for you on your report!).  EXPLORE reports will follow you to high school in your cumulative record. You will also get a copy for your personal records.

10. Additional Resources http://www.actstudent.org/explore/ http://www.tn.gov/collegepays ACT website, handouts, parent guide, school counselor, teachers, high school students, parents of high school students 5 min EXPLORE clip: http://www.act.org/path/parent/tests/movie.html