Hampshire High School PLAN, IACT, PSAE How to help your child prepare and excel APRIL 11, 2012

1. Hampshire High SchoolPLAN, IACT, PSAEHow to help your child prepare and excelAPRIL 11, 2012

2. Tonight’s Agenda Preparing for the PLAN, IACT, and PSAE Roles and communication among students, parents, counselors, and teachers Obtaining the information you need Sample Test Questions from PLAN/ACT Available Resources (websites, testing tips)

3. HHS Staff Responsible for Testing Protocols Mr. Chuck Bumbales, Principal Mrs. Janine Steffen, Ed.D., Assistant Principal Mr. Nate Danielson, Math & Science Divisional Mr. Geoff Falk, English & Social Science Divisional Mrs. Jennifer Dowling, Testing Coordinator Mrs. Meg Cole, Accommodations Coordinator Mr. Anthony Lis and Kristina Wade, Counselors

4. What is my responsibility as a… Student? Parent? Counselor? Teacher? Friend?

5. PLAN, IACT, & PSAE Test Overview What is the PLAN, IACT, and PSAE? How is the PSAE scored? Testing Schedule Preparation Resources

6. Benefits of… Visual 2: Points of Emphasis There are many benefits to taking PLAN: PLAN shows you your academic strengths and weaknesses. With this information, you can take additional courses or get extra help in subjects where improvement is needed. With PLAN’s College Readiness Benchmark Scores, you can see whether or not you are on target to be ready for college-level coursework. PLAN’s career planning component helps you find careers in line with your interests. PLAN tests the same 4 areas as the ACT, making it a powerful predictor of performance on the ACT. Visual 2: Points of Emphasis There are many benefits to taking PLAN: PLAN shows you your academic strengths and weaknesses. With this information, you can take additional courses or get extra help in subjects where improvement is needed. With PLAN’s College Readiness Benchmark Scores, you can see whether or not you are on target to be ready for college-level coursework. PLAN’s career planning component helps you find careers in line with your interests. PLAN tests the same 4 areas as the ACT, making it a powerful predictor of performance on the ACT.

7. Significance of the PSAE Used by state of Illinois to determine Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) ACT scores become part of school profile Scores are posted on student transcripts Free ACT score for college application PSAE Awards Meet graduation requirements ACT scores can predict college success

8. College Readiness Benchmarks ACT PLAN English 18 15 Reading 21 17 Math 22 19 Science 24 21 Students who meet a Benchmark on the ACT have approximately a 50 percent chance of earning a B or better and approximately a 75 percent chance of earning a C or better in the corresponding college course or courses. Students who meet a Benchmark on EXPLORE or PLAN are likely to have approximately this same chance of earning such a grade in the corresponding college course(s) by the time they graduate high school. Visual 10: Points of Emphasis Your PLAN results give you an early indication of how likely you are to be ready for college-level work. PLAN uses ACT’s College Readiness Benchmark Scores to indicate whether or not you are on target to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be ready to succeed in entry level college courses without remediation. This section shows whether you scored above, at, or below PLAN College Readiness Benchmark Scores for English, mathematics, reading, and science. Students who meet the Benchmark Scores in English, mathematics, and science are likely on target for success in entry-level college courses in these subjects. Students meeting the Reading Benchmark Score are likely developing the reading skills needed in all college subject areas. Are your scores at or above the Benchmarks? If so, keep working hard. This just means you are on course for success if you maintain your current focus. Are your scores below the Benchmarks? There is still time to get on track. You may need to take additional coursework or get extra help in some areas.Visual 10: Points of Emphasis Your PLAN results give you an early indication of how likely you are to be ready for college-level work. PLAN uses ACT’s College Readiness Benchmark Scores to indicate whether or not you are on target to develop the skills and knowledge you need to be ready to succeed in entry level college courses without remediation. This section shows whether you scored above, at, or below PLAN College Readiness Benchmark Scores for English, mathematics, reading, and science. Students who meet the Benchmark Scores in English, mathematics, and science are likely on target for success in entry-level college courses in these subjects. Students meeting the Reading Benchmark Score are likely developing the reading skills needed in all college subject areas. Are your scores at or above the Benchmarks? If so, keep working hard. This just means you are on course for success if you maintain your current focus. Are your scores below the Benchmarks? There is still time to get on track. You may need to take additional coursework or get extra help in some areas.

9. Profile for Success Colleges differ in their admission standards. Typical ACT score ranges are shown below. Open 16-23 (Community College) Traditional 18-24 (State Schools) Selective 21-26 (Private Schools) Highly Selective 25+ (Elite) Visual 11: Points of Emphasis The Admissions Standards section shows ranges of ACT scores for types of colleges with different admissions policies. This represents a general guideline. Colleges differ widely in their admissions standards and requirements. Remember, ACT scores are just one of several factors colleges use in making admissions decisions. One way to see if you will be ready for college is to compare yourself to students who are now being successful in college. The Profile for Success section shows a range of ACT Composite Scores that are typical of successful college sophomores (B average or higher). When you completed PLAN, you were asked to choose one of 26 Career Areas containing jobs you liked best. Your choice can be found under “Your Career Preference”. To make this information more relevant to you, we included a typical ACT score range for successful college sophomores who chose the same Career Area as you when they took PLAN. Does your estimated ACT score overlap? If so, you are likely on target. Visual 11: Points of Emphasis The Admissions Standards section shows ranges of ACT scores for types of colleges with different admissions policies. This represents a general guideline. Colleges differ widely in their admissions standards and requirements. Remember, ACT scores are just one of several factors colleges use in making admissions decisions. One way to see if you will be ready for college is to compare yourself to students who are now being successful in college. The Profile for Success section shows a range of ACT Composite Scores that are typical of successful college sophomores (B average or higher). When you completed PLAN, you were asked to choose one of 26 Career Areas containing jobs you liked best. Your choice can be found under “Your Career Preference”. To make this information more relevant to you, we included a typical ACT score range for successful college sophomores who chose the same Career Area as you when they took PLAN. Does your estimated ACT score overlap? If so, you are likely on target.

10. Prairie State Achievement Examination (PSAE) Test Components

11. Test Administration Schedule PLAN (Freshmen)Wednesday, April 25th, 2012 Arrival and seating of examinees; distribution of test materials 7:40 – 7:45 Completion of student information section 7:45 – 8:45 [5 minute break in class] PLAN English – 30 minutes (50 items) 8:50 – 9:20 PLAN Math – 40 minutes (40 items) 9:20 – 10:00 [5 minute break in class] PLAN Reading – 20 minutes (25 items) 10:05 – 10:25 PLAN Science – 25 minutes (30 items) 10:25 – 10:50 Collection of materials 10:50 – 11:10 Lunch 11:10 – 11:40

12. Test Administration Schedule I-ACT Tuesday, April 24, 2012(Sophomores) Distribution of test materials 7:40-7:55 ACT English Test – 45 minutes (75 questions) 8:00-8:45 ACT Mathematics Test – 60 minutes (60 questions) 8:45-9:45 [required 15-minute break]  ACT Reading Test – 35 minutes (40 questions) 10:00-10:35 ACT Science Test – 35 minutes (40 questions) 10:35-11:10 [required 5-minute break] ACT Writing Test – 30 minutes (1 prompt) 11:15-11:45 

13. Test Administration Schedule Prairie State Achievement Examination (PSAE)  Day 1: Tuesday, April 24, 2012 (Juniors) Distribution of test materials 7:40-7:55 ACT English Test – 45 minutes (75 questions) 8:00-8:45 ACT Mathematics Test – 60 minutes (60 questions) 8:45 -9:45 [required 15-minute break] ACT Reading Test – 35 minutes (40 questions) 10:00-10:35 ACT Science Test – 35 minutes (40 questions) 10:35-11:10 Collection of materials 11:10-11:15

14. Test Administration Schedule Prairie State Achievement Examination (PSAE)  Day 2: Wednesday, April 25, 2012 (Juniors) Distribution of test materials 7:40-7:50 ISBE-Developed Science Test – 40 minutes (45 questions) 7:50-8:30 WorkKeys Applied Mathematics Test – 45 minutes (33 questions) 8:30-9:15 [required 15-minute break] WorkKeys Reading for Information Test – 45 minutes (33 questions) 9:30-10:15 Collection of Materials 10:15-10:40

16. What the WorkKeys Applied Mathematics Test Measures There are five levels of difficulty. 3 7 Least complex Most complex The levels build on skills assessed at the previous levels.

17. Skills Tested on ACT WorkKeys(Applied Mathematics) Using information, calculations, or unit conversions to solve a problem Looking up a formula and performing single-step conversions within or between systems of measurement Calculating by using mixed units Using one-and two-step calculations and comparing results Calculating percent discounts or markups

18. What the WorkKeys Reading for Information Test Measures Five levels of difficulty 3 7 Least complex Most complex Levels build on skills assessed at preceding levels Level 3 Reading materials are short and direct Readers find obvious details and follow short instructions Level 7 Reading material is longer, denser, and more difficult Readers must apply and interpret information

19. Skills Tested on ACT WorkKeys(Reading for Information) Determining the correct meaning of a word based on how the word is used Identifying the correct meaning of an acronym that is defined in the reading passage Identifying the paraphrased definition of a technical term or jargon that is defined in the reading passage Applying technical terms and jargon and relating them to stated situations Applying straightforward instructions to a new situation that is similar to the one described in the material Applying complex instructions that include conditionals to situations described in the material

20. PREPARING FOR THE TEST ANDTEST TAKING STRATEGIES

21. Preparation Materials Preparing for the ACT, Overview and Preparation Guide for PSAE ACT Prep Classes held at HHS ZAPS Program (April 9th & 10th, 3:15 – 5:45 p.m. For more information visit www.zaps.com)

22. English Test-Taking Tipswww.act.org  Use rules of standard English. Avoid redundancy. When two parts of one sentence are underlined, solve the second part first and then come back to the first. Everything that is NOT underlined is assumed to be correct. Read sentences preceding and following an item. Pay attention to the context. When guessing, choose the shorter option.

23. Writing Test-Taking Tips Take a position and articulate a perspective on an issue Maintain a clear focus throughout the essay Use supportive evidence and logical reasoning Organize ideas logically Communicate clearly using standard English Refute one argument from the opposing position

24. Reading Test-Taking Tipswww.act.org  Read the questions first.  Look for a key word in the question and underline it.  Don’t get caught up on details or an unknown word in the reading.  Read a paragraph’s first and last sentences carefully and the middle sentences more quickly.   Eliminate definite wrong choices and pace yourself.

25. Math Test-Taking Tipswww.act.org Read each question carefully to make sure you understand the type of answer required. If you choose to use a calculator, be sure it is permitted, is working on test day, and has reliable batteries. Solve the problem. Answer every question. Check your work.

26. Science Test-Taking Tipswww.act.org Read the question 1st Search for the answer in the appropriate passage Narrow the choices if not sure of the answer Give your best answer

27. Work-keys Test-Taking Tips Have the appropriate materials with you Read the questions carefully and determine what is being asked Use formula sheets/calculator/resources if applicable Select the best answer

28. Testing Resources Online Resources: http://act.org www.act.org/workkeys http://www.actstudent.org/plan/ http://number2.com www.4tests.com www.keytrain.com WorkKeys Online Test Prep

29. Resources ACT Question of the Day ACT Online Prep --Diagnostic tests and personalized study path --Practice tests with real ACT test questions --Practice essays for the ACT Writing Test, with real time scoring --Review for each of the ACT’s four required tests: English, Math, Reading, and Science

30. Resources There are a variety of online and print resources that parents and students may wish to purchase. ACT’s—“The Real ACT Prep Guide” Princeton Review— “Cracking the ACT” Kaplan ACT 2012

31. Q & A