1. EXPLORE RESULTS interpretation and comparison 2011-12

2. 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

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

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

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

10. 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

11. 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

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

13. 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

14. 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

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

16. EXPLORE, PLAN, ACT Program Grade level Score range EXPLORE 8 or 9 1-2510
1-32
ACT
11 or 12
1-36

17. 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)

18. 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)

19. Whitehall Scores

20. Percentage of students who reported needing help in particular areas

21. Whitehall scores class of 2016- 9th graders

22. Growth in the class of 2016 on the EXPLORE test

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

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

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

26. For more information: Contact Mrs
For more information: Contact Mrs. Lori Hartman x4700