2. WHAT TO EXPECT, WHEN EXPECTING TESTING A general overview of high school standardized tests

3. Session Agenda  What standardized tests are my children expected to take?  What do they need to know, How do they prepare?  What are my resources?  Dealing with test anxiety

4. Acronym Soup  TCAP  Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program  EOC  End of Course  Algebra 1/II  English 9/10  Biology  US History  ACT  American College Testing Explore, PLAN  SAT  Scholastic Aptitude Test PSAT/NMSQT

5. Navigation through the tests GradeTestPurposeDescription 8 th ExploreCurriculum based/Educational and career planning 1.Designed to help explore a broad range of options for the future 2.Measure achievement on English, Math, Reading and Science 3.Serves as an indicator of college readiness 8 th TCAPAchievement test taken each spring in grades 3-8 1.Measures students academic knowledge and skills in reading, ELA, Math, Sci, and SS with multiple choice questions 2.Three versions of the test-ACH, MAAS, ELSA

6. EOC’s- Grades 9-12  The end-of-course test grade will count 25% of the semester grade  Students will not be required to pass any one examination, but instead students must achieve a passing score for the course in accordance with the State Board of Education’s uniform grading policy.

7. Explore, Plan, ACT  EXPLORE is the first part of a testing system that goes on to include PLAN and the ACT.  Typically, students take EXPLORE in the 8th or 9th grade, PLAN as 10th graders, and the ACT as juniors or seniors.  All three test you in English, math, reading, and science. However, the material tested in each program gets more difficult.  This is why the top scores are different.  Program Grade Level Composite Score Range EXPLORE 8/9 -1 to 25 PLAN 10- 1 to 32 ACT 11/12- 1 to 36

8. Explore, Plan, ACT Am I on track? How can I improve?

9. Benefits of the Explore  It's not too soon to begin exploring possible careers!  Your EXPLORE Score Report helps you start by focusing on a few career areas.

10. PSAT/NMSQT- 11 th Grade  Receive feedback on your strengths and weaknesses on skills necessary for college study. You can then focus your preparation on those areas that could most benefit from additional study or practice.  See how your performance on an admissions test might compare with that of others applying to college.  Enter the competition for scholarships from NMSC (grade 11).  Help prepare for the SAT. You can become familiar with the kinds of questions and the exact directions you will see on the SAT.  Receive information from colleges when you check "yes" to Student Search Service The PSAT/NMSQT measures: Critical reading skills Math problem-solving skills Writing skills

11. ACT vs. SAT- 11 th /12 Grade  The ACT is an achievement test, measuring what a student has learned in school.  The ACT has up to 5 components: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing Test.  The ACT is scored based on the number of correct answers with no penalty for guessing.  The SAT tests the reading, writing and math skills that you learn in school and that are critical for success in college and beyond.  It gives both you and colleges a sense of how you’ll be able to apply the thinking, writing and study skills required for college course work  The SAT deducts ¼ point for each incorrect answer. ACTSAT

12. Know what to expect…. Become familiar with the format….. Be diligent and dedicated to academics... How do we prepare?

13. What are my resources?  EOC  Teachers  Course work for specific exam  Explore, PLAN, ACT  Course work  ACT prep material  Info from Explore/Plan  Free prep info. in Family Connections  PSAT/SAT  Student Bulletin  Info from PSAT  Collegeboard website

14. Test Anxiety  Test Anxiety occurs when a student Excessively worries about doing well On a test. This can become a major Hindrance on test performance and Cause extreme nervousness and Memory lapses among other problems. The following tips should help: Be well prepared for the test Maintain a positive attitude Get a good night’s sleep and eat a good breakfast Maintain focus Stay relaxed

15. Expect great things……. When you prepare and know what to expect

16. Additional Resources  www.act.org www.act.org  www.collegeboard.org www.collegeboard.org  www.tn.gov/education/assessment www.tn.gov/education/assessment  www.easthamiltonhurricanes.com –click on the Naviance/Family Connection icon www.easthamiltonhurricanes.com