Exit Standards & Test Taking Skills COMING SOON to a classroom near you. Are You Ready?

8 th Grade Exit Standards  In order to smoothly transition (go from 8 th to 9 th grade) every student at Lincoln must: 1. Have a 2.0 GPA - 6 th through 8 th grade or all of 8 th. 2. Pass the CST Reading Test – With a score of 4 or higher (Basic) 3. Pass the STAR Writing Test– With a score of 4 or higher (Basic) 4. Pass the CST Math Test – With a score of 4 or higher (Basic)

There are some exceptions…  If you have a 3.0 GPA in grades 6 th - 8 th or for all of 8 th you… automatically meet the exit standards

What happens if you don’t meet the exit standards? If you pass 3 of 4 criteria, you must: Attend and pass 1 summer school class. In 9 th grade it is recommended to take a High School Success Class. If you pass 2 of 4 criteria, you must : Attend and pass 2 summer school classes. In 9 th grade a High School Success class is required.

What happens if you don’t meet the exit standards? If you pass 1 of 4 criteria, you must : Attend and pass 2 summer school classes. Receive a passing score on state test In 9th grade a High School Success class is required. If you pass 0 of 4 criteria, you must : Must attend Vista Focus Academy for 9 th grade

You will be taking the STAR Writing Test on March 7 th & 8 th ! That’s 2 weeks away. STAR Writing Test

 You need to score a 4 or better in order to meet the exit standard for writing.  What are some things you can try in order to do well on the test?

Test Taking Strategies! 1. Make a commitment to do your best. 2. Get a good night’s sleep. 3. Have everything ready the night before. 4. Eat a good breakfast but don’t overeat. 5. Wear comfortable clothing. 6. Think positively about the test, and your skills as a student. 7. Be okay with feeling nervous, its normal, and you can still do well.

Test Taking Strategies! 8. Before you begin writing, make an outline of what your going to write. 9. Have a thesis statement so there is a purpose to your essay. 10. Go back and check your essay for mistakes. 11. Take your time, this is not a timed test.

You might be thinking… Why should I care about passing? This is just another dumb test!

Doing well helps your future.  Meet the exit standard for writing.  Satisfaction of knowing you’re a good writer.  Counselors at the high school will look at your test score to place you in classes (AP, honors, certain electives).

Doing well helps your future.  If you pass, you don’t have to attend summer school or take extra classes in high school. This means you get to take fun classes you enjoy.  Test scores will be on transcripts, which are seen by employers and colleges.  Its good practice for the CAHSEE.

 How else might doing well on your test lead you to success?

Questions?