WHAT TO EXPECT, WHEN EXPECTING TESTING A general overview of high school standardized tests
Jan 14, 2016
WHAT TO EXPECT, WHEN EXPECTING TESTING
A general overview of high school standardized tests
Session Agenda
What standardized tests are my children expected to take?
What do they need to know, How do they prepare?
What are my resources? Dealing with test anxiety
Acronym Soup
TCAP Tennessee
Comprehensive Assessment Program
EOC End of Course
Algebra 1/II English 9/10 Biology US History
ACT American College
Testing Explore, PLAN
SAT Scholastic
Aptitude Test PSAT/NMSQT
Navigation through the tests
Grade Test Purpose Description
8th Explore Curriculum based/Educational
and career planning
1. Designed to help explore a broad range of options
for the future2. Measure achievement on English, Math, Reading and
Science3. Serves as an
indicator of college readiness
8th TCAP Achievement test taken each spring in
grades 3-8
1. Measures students academic
knowledge and skills in reading, ELA, Math, Sci,
and SS with multiple choice
questions2. Three versions of
the test-ACH, MAAS, ELSA
EOC’s- Grades 9-12
The end-of-course test grade will count 25% of the semester grade
Students will not be required to pass any one examination, but instead students must achieve a passing score for the course in accordance with the State Board of Education’s uniform grading policy.
Explore, Plan, ACT
EXPLORE is the first part of a testing system that goes on to include PLAN and the ACT.
Typically, students take EXPLORE in the 8th or 9th grade, PLAN as 10th graders, and the ACT as juniors or seniors.
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. Program Grade Level Composite
Score Range
EXPLORE 8/9 -1 to 25
PLAN 10- 1 to 32
ACT 11/12- 1 to 36
Explore, Plan, ACT
Am I on track?
How can I improve?
Benefits of the Explore
It's not too soon to begin exploring possible careers!
Your EXPLORE Score Report helps you start by focusing on a few career areas.
PSAT/NMSQT- 11th Grade
Receive feedback on your strengths and weaknesses on skills necessary for college study. You can then focus your preparation on those areas that could most benefit from additional study or practice.
See how your performance on an admissions test might compare with that of others applying to college.
Enter the competition for scholarships from NMSC (grade 11). Help prepare for the SAT. You can become familiar with the kinds of
questions and the exact directions you will see on the SAT. Receive information from colleges when you check "yes" to Student Search
Service
The PSAT/NMSQT measures:
Critical reading skills
Math problem-solving skills
Writing skills
ACT vs. SAT- 11th/12 Grade
The ACT is an achievement test, measuring what a student has learned in school.
The ACT has up to 5 components: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing Test.
The ACT is scored based on the number of correct answers with no penalty for guessing.
The SAT tests the reading, writing and math skills that you learn in school and that are critical for success in college and beyond.
It gives both you and colleges a sense of how you’ll be able to apply the thinking, writing and study skills required for college course work
The SAT deducts ¼ point for each incorrect answer.
ACT SAT
Know what to expect….
Become familiar with the format…..
Be diligent and dedicated to academics...
How do we prepare?
What are my resources?
EOC Teachers Course work for specific
exam Explore, PLAN, ACT
Course work ACT prep material Info from Explore/Plan Free prep info. in Family
Connections PSAT/SAT
Student Bulletin Info from PSAT Collegeboard website
Test Anxiety Test Anxiety occurs when a student
Excessively worries about doing well
On a test. This can become a major
Hindrance on test performance and
Cause extreme nervousness and
Memory lapses among other problems.
The following tips should help:
Be well prepared for the test
Maintain a positive attitude
Get a good night’s sleep and eat a good breakfast
Maintain focus
Stay relaxed
Expect great things…….
When you prepare and know what to expect
Additional Resources
www.act.org www.collegeboard.org www.tn.gov/education/assessm
ent
www.easthamiltonhurricanes.com –click on the Naviance/Family Connection icon