Strategies… Before that, we must say something very important! There is no “quick fix”  So, think crock pot, not microwave

Student Strategies

Pacing Questions are arranged in order of difficulty

Answer the easy questions first Don’t forget to mark—in the test booklet—the questions you skip

Answer ALL the Questions There is no penalty for guessing and no penalty for wrong answers! Therefore, guess when all else fails and guess consistently!

Read Each Problem Carefully You don’t necessarily have to use all the information you are given There are “Cannot be determined from the given information” problems

Look for clues in the answer choices Sometimes just substituting answer choices will yield a correct answer This strategy is time consuming!

Take Practice Tests

Know when & how to use the calculator! (Math ONLY)

Familiarize yourself & use the ACT site

Instructional Strategies

Modeling How do successful problem solvers work?

Study Cards Math Science Workshops

Summative Assessment Use ACT items from the ACT site and The Real ACT Prep Guide on each unit assessment Label the section ACT Style Questions Teacher and student monitor progress on each question

Integration Integrate more algebra in geometry Integrate more science examples while teaching probability and statistics Science incorporate data interpretation in all units

A district we work with has taken their average ACT scores from an 18 to a 23… IN 4 YEARS! Remember, crock pot, not microwave!

How did they do THAT?

Opening Problems

Openers (Bell Ringers) In math it’s not about the answer to the question, rather the process! In science, it’s about “real” practice on data interpretation!

Bell ringers Answer isn’t part of discussion Focus is on the process only This isn’t easy for students or teachers Question(s) does not always have to fit the content 10 minutes or less Department/school “buy in” Main strategy and used consistently

Teachers familiarize themselves & use the ACT site

Interpreting Graphs

Administrative Strategies

Have a long term district plan When will you meet next Who else will attend

Curriculum aligned with Program of Studies

Math & Science each do technical writing piece synthesized from technical text

Effective, ongoing Professional Development

Algebra I & II taught at least every three years by all members of the math department

No Credit for Pre- Algebra

Counseling What Course Work Prepares a Student to be Successful on the ACT?

Data Review The Plan Past years’ ACT scores Look at Patterns Compare Course Work

Resources KDE Office of Assessment and Accountability Christine Powell Questions about modifications… Cheryl Pulley Bridget Stanfield

Book Ordering Information Ky’s ACT Representative is Jayne Rogers ext