The ACT and Pre-ACT Tests What Do They Look Like?

What is Covered? PreACT Test Test Questions Time Content English 45 30 Measures standard English knowledge and skills. Including Punctuation, Usage Math 36 40 Measure mathematical skills students hav typically acquired in course taken up to the beginning of grade 12. Reading 25 Measures reading comprehension Science Measures the interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem solving skills needed in science. What is Covered?

What are the Benchmarks and what do they mean? On Target – Students in this range have a 50% chance of meeting ACT benchmarks in grade 11. On Cusp – Students in this range have a less than 50% but greater than 25% chance of meeting the ACT Benchmarks in grade 11. In Need of Intervention Range – Students have less than a 25% change of meeting ACT Benchmarks in grade 11. What are the Benchmarks and what do they mean? PreACT Test ACT Benchmark In Need Range On Cusp Range On Target Range English 18 1-11 12-14 15-35 Math 22 1-16 17-18 19-35 Reading 17-19 20-35 Science 23 1-7 18-20 21-35 STEM 26 1-21 22-23 24-35

What is Covered? ACT Test Test Questions Time Content English 75 45 Measures standard English knowledge and skills. Math 60 Measure mathematical skills students hav typically acquired in course taken up to the beginning of grade 12. Reading 40 35 Measures reading comprehension Science Measures the interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem solving skills needed in science. Writing 1 Prompt Measure writing skills emphasized in high school English classes and entry level college classes. What is Covered?

What are the Benchmarks and what do they mean? The ACT College Readiness Benchmarks are score on the ACT subject area tests that represent the level of achievement required for students to have a 50% or higher chance of earning a B or higher and a 75% chance of earning a C or higher in a corresponding credit bearing first year college course. What are the Benchmarks and what do they mean? ACT College Course Test ACT Benchmark English Composition I English 18 College Algebra Math 22 Social Sciences Reading Biology Science 23 Calculus, Science, or Engineering STEM 26

Identify your strengths and Address Areas of Improvement Understand that some of the material you will be exposed to in this class (especially on the mathematics test) has not been learned yet. If you don’t finish tests – the problem may be learning to pace yourself appropriately, not necessarily that you don’t know the material. Just because you struggle to do something, it doesn’t mean you can’t learn it – but you need to commit yourself to practice, practice, practice! Take the practice tests seriously! Are they long – yes Can they be boring – sure Are they necessary – ABSOLUTELY!!! How else will you know where you stand and what you need to do to get where you want to be? Mental Preparation

This course is designed to let YOU determine what subject area you need to review - Unlike other courses which are trying to teach you new information, this course is designed to help you evaluate your strengths and weakness and determine what you need to focus on to reach the benchmarks. The process for doing this consists of: Analysis and Self Evaluation – After taking the practice test in Chapter 3 of the book, you will have a chance in Chapter 4 to analyze your results and determine your strengths and areas for improvement. Planned practice and study time – after identifying what you want/need to work on you will be provided with resources, both in class and online to help you improve. You will determine which resource you want to utilize and earn points towards your grade for having done so. Self Evaluation

Course Structure Establish a baseline (starting point) As part of the course fee all students will be provided with an Official ACT Prep Guide which is yours to keep! The guide contains 3 full practice tests and a code to allow you access to additional online resources and practice tests. We will be using tests #1 & 3 from the book in class. In order to get an accurate picture of your baseline and improvement - PLEASE DO NOT work these two tests outside of class! All students will complete and score a full ACT test including the writing portion. You can earn up to 215 points for this practice test if you successfully complete these three steps for each part of the practice test. Taking the practice test under supervised, timed, conditions Scoring the test Turning in your score sheet on time. Remember – if you are absent for a test you have only 5 days to schedule a make up and turn in the score sheet for credit! Course Structure

Course Structure Complete a Self Evaluation Worksheet Your self evaluation worksheet will summarize your practice test scores Do Test/Analysis Correction Worksheet Check the explanation of each incorrect answer and make note of any questions you need to ask or work you need to do to improve that area. Determine which areas you want/need to work to improve and create an improvement plan. Complete the improvement plan worksheet Learn how to set up and use the online resources that are provided with your ACT prep guide. Use the 4 provided class periods to complete the tasks on your improvement plan. During these periods use your textbooks chapters 5 – 10, the online resources, and the supplemental materials to earn course points and work toward improving your score. Don’t be afraid to ask your instructor for help during this process and Do use your time wisely! Course Structure

In addition to test preparation some class time will feature presentations from the Counseling Center and the Career and Technical Education Center (CTE) staff to orient you to high school and post high school programs and opportunities that are available to you here at Herriman High. Listen closely to these presentations and ask questions so that you can make the most of your time here at Herriman and position yourself for the best possible future after high school. Course Supplements

Discuss Test Taking Strategies and Preparation for the Real Tests! Prior to taking a Final Practice Test, we will talk about how to mentally and physically prepare for any and all standardized testing that you will participate in over the next few years including the PreACT, the ACT, Advanced Placement Exams, Concurrent Enrollment Examinations, and even Industry, Apprenticeship, and Skills Certification Examinations. Discuss Test Taking Strategies and Preparation for the Real Tests!

Take a Second Practice Test and Evaluate your Improvement! Finally, we will take a second full practice test. The purpose of the second test is to: Give you additional experience with the testing format. Provide more practice on how to plan for improvement. Encourage you to make a list of skills that you want to improve so that you can focus on these skills as you take your future classes. Evaluate your improvement over the course. Take a Second Practice Test and Evaluate your Improvement!