EXPLORE RESULTS interpretation and comparison 2011-12

EXPLORE Standardized test normed for 8th and 9th graders First in sequence: EXPLORE, PLAN, ACT In Whitehall, taken in the 7th and 8th grade Designed to measure college readiness standards

Subject # of questions Minutes to complete English 40 30 Reading Math Science 28

The English Test Measures standard written English- punctuation, grammar and usage and sentence structure (usage and mechanics) Measures use of strategy, organization, and style of writing (rhetorical skills)

The Reading Test Measures ability to understand written material in different subjects Skills measured include referring to detail, drawing conclusions, making comparisons and generalizations Passages include prose fiction, humanities, and social sciences

The Math Test Measures mathematical reasoning Focus is on the ability to reason Questions cover knowledge and skills, application, and understanding concepts in pre- algebra, elementary algebra, geometry and statistics and probability

The Science Test Measures scientific reasoning skills Measures ability to draw conclusions from scientific information Information is presented through data representation, research summaries, and conflicting viewpoints Drawn from life science, earth/space science, and physical science

EXPLORE BENCHMARKS (scores to predict college success) English 13 Reading 15 Math 17 Science 20

Your score report Information about your knowledge, skills, interests, and plans Use to plan high school coursework and begin thinking about college and work

MICHIGAN MERIT CURRICULUM (high school requirements) English: 4 credits Science: 3 credits including Biology, Chemistry OR Physics and one additional credit Social Studies: 3 credits including World History, U.S. History and Government/Economics PE/Health: 1 credit Arts: 1 credit Foreign Language: 2 credits Online learning experience

What do your scores mean? Composite is the average of all test scores (English, Reading, Math, and Science) Scores in English are divided into Usage and Mechanics and Rhetorical Skills. These sub- scores are from 1-12

Are You on Track? Your scores can predict how you may do on future tests like PLAN and ACT These are predictions and may vary based on the number of challenging courses you enroll in and how hard you work

How Do Your Scores Compare? The percentage on score sheet represents the percent of students scoring at or below your score in the nation The local percent shows the percent of students scoring at or below your score in Whitehall

How can you improve? Take courses recommended for college Challenge yourself Use the test booklets to check your answers to improve on the 8th grade EXPLORE test Ask for help from teachers Take advantage of NHS tutors Take practice tests at www.actstudent.org

Your Future Educational plans indicate what education or training you plan after high school Career area preference is the area you indicated you liked

EXPLORE, PLAN, ACT Program Grade level Score range EXPLORE 8 or 9 1-25 10 1-32 ACT 11 or 12 1-36

Why Go to College? College grads have roughly half the unemployment rate of those without degrees Median earnings for college grads are about $21,900 more per year which is almost $1 million more over a lifetime (information from Time magazine October 31, 2011, "I Owe U" by Kristina Dell)

Employability and College Planning U.S. isn't producing enough science and math graduates High paying positions are going unfilled or to foreign applicants (information from Time magazine October 31, 2011 "I Owe U" by Kristina Dell)

Whitehall Scores

Percentage of students who reported needing help in particular areas

Whitehall scores class of 2016- 9th graders

Growth in the class of 2016 on the EXPLORE test

Whitehall scores Class of 2015 (this year's 10th graders)

EXPLORE test 2012 test dates 8th graders March 28, 2012 7th graders April 18, 2012

Where can I find my scores? 1. Score reports will be sent home 2. Your scores have been recorded on your EDP at www.careercruising.com Username: WDS-student number Password: birthdate (120499) 3. Parents may use the new parent portal activation account

For more information: Contact Mrs For more information: Contact Mrs. Lori Hartman 893-1030 x4700 lorihartman@whitehallschools.net