2. Welcome! Talent Identification Program McAllen ISD Advanced Academics 2011-2012

3. n Founded in 1980 n Self-supporting non-profit educational organization n Identifies academically talented young people and provides fulfilling educational opportunities What is the Duke University Talent Identification Program?

4. Through Duke TIP’s 7 th grade talent search program, which focuses on the identification, recognition, and support of high- ability students, qualifying 7 th grade students take college entrance exams alongside high school students. A large number of the 7th grade participants earn scores that many high school seniors would envy. Duke TIP gives students a chance to learn more about their abilities. Through identification, recognition, information, advocacy, challenging educational programs, and research, Duke TIP offers a wide array of services to students, their parents, educators, and schools.

5. Why be a part of the Talent Search? n Learn about your child's academic abilities n Get a head start on college entrance exams (SAT and ACT) n Interact with other academically talented students n Attend ceremonies honoring top SAT/ACT performers

6. Above – Level Testing primary benefit The knowledge and experience of taking an above-level test like the SAT or ACT is the primary benefit of the Talent Search. Students have the opportunity to build their test-taking skills and learn more about their academic abilities.

7. Additional benefits... Educational Opportunity Guide: Directory of over 400 summer and academic-year programs for talented students

8. Additional benefits... The College Guide: Features selected U.S. colleges and universities Information about applying and getting in to your college of choice Receive in 10th grade

9. Additional benefits... Educational Resource Handbook: Discusses SAT & ACT preparation and introduces educational resources Independent Learning Courses

10. Additional benefits... INSIGHTS Newsletter: Articles of interest and fun activities for talented students Sent each fall & spring through 10 th grade

11. Additional benefits... Results Summary: Allows students to compare their achievement level with other gifted 7th graders who took the SAT/ACT in the Talent Search

13. Who can participate in the 7 th Grade Talent Search? Students must be in the 7 th grade. Met approved state criterion-referenced test such as the TAKS test or ITBS. They have to score commended or better on one test in 5 th or 6 th grade.

14. Qualifying Scores TAKS Grade Level Scale Score in Math Scale Score in Reading Scale Score In Science 5 th Grade≥ 825 ≥835 ≥ 2609 6 th Grade ≥ 876 ≥860

15. What are parents saying? "The test score information about average above-level performance was valuable and allowed us to tell how our child scored relative to other seventh graders."

16. What are parents saying… “Without TIP, our daughter’s talents would not have been realized at such an early age.” “Please continue to reach out to these exceptional students.” “By taking this test, our child proved to themselves that they really are bright.” TIP

17. “This resource could not have come at a better time for our son. It has been a great reinforcer of good work habits and self-confidence.” “The Talent Search encouraged our son to dream big!” What parents are saying…

18. What teachers are saying… “At our middle school, the Talent Search is a big tradition! I t is beneficial in building self-esteem, honor, and providing the ‘seeds’ for students to begin thinking about their educational future.” “I love being able to provide opportunities for the bright students in our neighborhood.” TIP

19. What students are saying… “Being in the Talent Search helped me learn more about myself and feel good about what I can achieve.” TIP

20. What students are saying… "Because I took the SAT in the 7 th grade, I wasn't as nervous about taking it in high school. It really increased my confidence in my test-taking skills and gave me practice with a challenging test.” —student who took the SAT through Duke TIP in 7th grade and scored a perfect 1600 on the SAT in high school.

21. Which test should students take? ACT or SAT The Duke University Talent Identification Program does not recommend one test over the other. Both tests are acceptable for purposes of the 7 th Grade Talent Search. Some considerations for Parents may be: Testing Dates Location of test centers.

22. The SAT Test Experience n The SAT Reasoning Test is a measure of the critical thinking skills you will need for academic success in college.The SAT assesses how well you analyze and solve problems—skills you learned in school that you will need in college. n The SAT is composed of 3 sections: èMath èCritical Reading èWriting è Each section is scored on a scale 200 – 800.

23. The SAT Test Experience n SAT Math è (calculator allowed) è 70 minutes è Covering number and operations, algebra and functions, geometry, statistics, probability and data analysis. Includes multiple-choice and student-produced responses.

24. The SAT Test Experience n SAT Critical Reading u 70 minutes u Covering reading comprehension, sentence completions and paragraph-length critical reading.

25. The SAT Experience SAT Writing è60 Minutes èMultiple-choice questions and student-written essay èCovers grammar, usage and word choice

26. The SAT Test Experience è SAT Equating è Every SAT includes a 25 minute, unscored section. è It can be either a critical reading, math or multiple choice writing section. This section does not count toward the final score, but is used to try out new questions for future editions of the SAT to ensure that scores on new editions are comparable to earlier editions.

27. The ACT is a measure of academic achievement closely tied to high school curriculum.High achievement on this instrument generally reflects direct exposure to the subject matter The ACT is composed of four multiple-choice sections: Math English Reading Science The maximum score on each section is 36. A composite score is generated which addresses the total performance The ACT Test Experience

28. The ACT Experience ACT Math  (Calculator allowed)  60 Questions – 60 minutes  Covering pre-algebra, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, coordinate geometry, place geometry and trigonometry.

29. The ACT Test Experience  ACT English  75 questions – 45 minutes  Covering punctuation, grammar, sentence structure, strategy, organization and style.

30. The ACT Test Experience ACT Reading 40 questions – 35 minutes Measures reading comprehension by examining ability with conclusions, comparisons, generalizations reasoning and referring.

31. The ACT Test Experience è ACT Science è 40 questions- 35 minutes è Examines knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics and earth/space science. Emphasis is on reasoning skills rather than acquired knowledge.

32. COST TO PARTICPATE SAT -- $72.00 ACT -- $72.00 Duke TIP offers a fee grant to offset the cost of participation for any student who is eligible for free or reduced lunch. Talk to your child's counselor

33. Financial Aid  Over $800,000 awarded in 2003  Talent Search Fee Grants SAT$25.00 ($72.00) ACT$25.00 ($72.00) McAllen ISD will pay: SAT$10.00 ACT$10.00 Family is responsible for: SAT$15.00 ACT$15.00

34. Visit us on the Web at www.tip.duke.edu

35. Check out Duke TIP’s Web site for information on : ACT/SAT Test Comparison Test Center Listing TIPstore Independent Learning and e-Studies Program http://www.tip.duke.edu/