8 th Grade Parent Informational Meeting Monday, November 29, 2010

Focus for High School is Changing  “College and career readiness” is the focus for all high school students.  Curriculum must ensure that students have the knowledge and skills to navigate in a global society.  Illinois adopted the Common Core Learning Standards in English/Language Arts & Mathematics in June of 2010  New assessments slated for 2014.

KHS is changing as well…. Restructuring to an 8-period day  Class of 2015 will be the first class to experience this structure throughout their high school career  Provides students the opportunities to take more courses Increased graduation requirements  Increase in overall credits….48 total  Course specific requirements

Class of 2015 Graduation Requirements English8 semesters (English 9,10, and 11) (2 additional semesters) Mathematics6 semesters (2 semesters Algebra 1) (2 semesters geometric thinking) (2 additional semesters) Science6 semesters (2 semesters Biology) (4 additional semesters)

Social Studies6 semesters 2 semesters United States History 1 semester Government 3 semesters additional (Global Studies, African American History, Western Civ, Sociology, Psychology, AP Psych)

General Education2 semesters in: Foreign Language, Art, Music or Vocational Education Health 1 semester PE/Drivers Education*7 semesters* Consumer Education, Economics or equivalent 1 semester Elective Credits** 11 semesters Total Credits 48.0 Performance Requirements Constitution Test Prairie State Examination

EXPLORE Testing Why is it important?  EXPLORE helps students identify areas of academic strength and weakness in four areas important for success in college and the workplace—English, math, reading, and science.  EXPLORE is a predictive assessment for success on the college entrance exam, the ACT..

EXPLORE Testing What is the EXPLORE test?  EXPLORE includes four multiple-choice tests covering English, mathematics, reading, and science—the same subjects covered by the ACT test. Subject Number of Questions How Long It Takes English4030 minutes Math3030 minutes Reading3030 minutes Science2830 minutes.

EXPLORE Testing When will it be given to my student?  All 8 th grade students at Kankakee Junior High School will take the EXPLORE assessment on Thursday, December 9, How are the results used?  KHS uses the results to assist in placement of students into 9 th grade courses.  Data from the test is used as baseline information to gauge growth over a student’s high school career.

Timelines for Scheduling  Parent Orientation Night for incoming 8 th grade parents is on February 3,  Incoming Freshman will schedule with counselors during the week of February 7-11, 2011