1. Parents & Students of the Class of 2017 Dundee Middle School December 12, 2012 Agenda: Welcome and Introductions Freshman Academy Overview Explore Test and Core Recommendations Elective Requests High School Core Curriculum Timeline and Next Steps Student Point of View Thanks and Closing 1

2. Be Responsible! Be Respectful! Be Positive! 2

3.  What is the Freshman Academy?  The Freshman Academy is a comprehensive freshman transition program for all first-time (or non- repeating) 9th graders.  The Freshman Academy implements a school-within-a-school model designed to help all students achieve at high levels.  The Freshman Academy collects data in order to make freshman specific decisions regarding curriculum, discipline, and academics.  The Freshman Academy emphasizes a smooth transition from middle school to high school.  Academy Features  A focus on both academic and social development, with the goal of creating a culture of college- and career-readiness.  Support: a coordinator/dean and two counselors will work exclusively with freshmen to meet their specific needs.  Extra help: a tutoring center provides extra support during the day, before and after school. Tutoring runs Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays after school for students to work.  Teamwork and collaboration: Teachers and staff work together collaboratively to help all students achieve at high levels. 3

4.  The EXPLORE test is the first part of a testing system that goes on to include the PLAN and the ACT.  Typically, students take ◦ the EXPLORE test in 8 th grade ◦ the PLAN in 9 th grade ◦ the ACT in 11 th grade.  All three tests assess your knowledge in the areas of English, math, reading and science. However, the material tested gets progressively more difficult with each exam. 4

5.  The EXPLORE Student Score Report gives information about a student’s knowledge, skills, interests, and educational career plans.  Students can use this information as they begin to plan high school coursework and begin thinking about college and work.  The score report also tells you how student’s EXPLORE scores compare to those of other students across the nation. 5

6.  Student scores in each of the four subject areas are between 1 and 25. Your composite score is simply the average of all four test scores. 6

7. ◦ To the right of your scores, you will find the percentage of students scoring at or below your score. ◦ This shows you how your scores compare to those of students across the country who took the EXPLORE. ◦ Example: 74% means a student scored as high or higher than 74% of 8th grade students across the U.S. 7

8. The back of the Score Report describes the skills and knowledge the student probably already has. You will also see some ideas for improving even more in the different subject areas. The suggestions are based on student scores and can help them do better. 8

9.  Students were asked how many core courses they plan to take in high school.  This number was then compared to the number of core classes recommended to prepare for college. 9

10.  Students were asked whether or not they needed help in seven different areas. The areas checked on the score report are the areas that were selected. 10

11.  Students answered questions about their educational plans and career area preference. 11

12.  ACT has developed College Readiness Benchmark Scores. ◦ Students scoring at or above the benchmark in each subject area are projected to be on pace to succeed in high school and college classes, if they keep up with their coursework. ◦ Students scoring below the benchmark will need to put in extra effort and seek out additional supports to improve their scores for future tests. 12

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14.  Students also completed an Interest Inventory as part of the EXPLORE test. The “Career Possibilities” section of the Score Report shows careers related to their reported interests. 14

15.  The results of the Interest Inventory are shown on the World-of-Work Map, and these results are compared with the student’s Career Area Preference.  For example, the Interest Inventory results may suggest that careers in areas 7, 8, and 9 on the World-of-Work Map fit the student’s current interests. ◦ This would include careers in areas K through Q on the Career Area List 15

16.  ACT provides a multitude of resources on the student’s EXPLORE results at the following website: www.explorestudent.org www.explorestudent.org  The website includes an interactive and informative World-of-Work Map World-of-Work Map 16

17.  How do student EXPLORE results impact his/her freshman classes? ◦ 8 th grade teachers work diligently to recommend core freshman classes in the areas of English, math, science, and social studies ◦ The teachers use the following criteria to make their recommendations, including:  EXPLORE results  Current grades and classes  Interventions and progress monitoring  Work ethic  Reading and writing ability  Level of motivation 17

18.  What electives are available? ◦ 2013-2014 Course Sheet: indicates which classes are available for freshmen. ◦ Categories include: (art, business, English, family and consumer science, foreign language, industrial education, music, social studies)  Where can I get more information? District 300’s Elective Online Tool: www.d300electives.org www.d300electives.org Get elective class descriptions, prerequisites, and other information here. 18

19. 19 Visit this site to learn more about the electives offered to freshmen.

20.  1. On paper ◦ Review the list of electives ◦ Discuss with your parents ◦ Fill out the homework sheet ◦ Bring it in to discuss with a high school counselor on January 11 th, 2013 2. Online ◦ Review the list of electives ◦ Discuss with your parents ◦ Login to your Student Portal and complete the Freshman Elective Request Form 20

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23.  What if our home doesn’t have Internet access? ◦ Review the List of Courses Sheet, and parents and students can do the Electives Homework Assignment over Winter Break. ◦ Students can sign up to meet with their middle school counselor to review elective options online. ◦ The IMC is available before school hours (8:15 until warning bell) for those who want to choose the electives at school. Students that come on the bus will not be able to take advantage of this opportunity due to bus time arrival.  What if I still can’t figure something out? If you have any questions regarding the online tool, please direct them to your middle school counselor. 23

24.  Jerry Weir, Counselor, 8 th Grade Counselor ◦ 224-484-4517 ◦ Jerome.weir@d300.org  Elizabeth Thompson, 6th and 7th Grade Counselor ◦ 224-484-4516 ◦ Elizabeth.thompson@d300.org 24

25. Semester 1Semester 2 Period 1English 9 Period 2World History Period 3Algebra Period 4Elective Lunch Period 5Biology Period 6Advisory Period 7PE Period 8Elective 25 Sample student schedule:

26. 26 Department 1000 English/ESL 2000 Social Science 3000 Math 4000 Science 5000 World Languages 6000Business Education 7000Industrial Education; Family and Consumer Sciences 8000Art; Music 9000 PE/Health/Driver Education Level of class and weighted GPA value _200Preparing for readiness for college and career GPA weight = +1 _300On track for college and career (college prep)GPA weight = +1.5 _400Honors level GPA weight = +2 _500Advanced Placement (AP) GPA weight = +2.5 Department 1000 English/ESL 2000 Social Science 3000 Math 4000 Science 5000 World Languages 6000Business Education 7000Industrial Education; Family and Consumer Sciences 8000Art; Music 9000 PE/Health/Driver Education Level of class and weighted GPA value _200Preparing for readiness for college and career GPA weight = +1 _300On track for college and career (college prep)GPA weight = +1.5 _400Honors level GPA weight = +2 _500Advanced Placement (AP) GPA weight = +2.5 Example 2301/2302 World History Semester 1Semester 2 First number = department Second number = level of class and weighted GPA value

27.  8 th graders will meet with high school counselors here at DMS on January 11, 2013 during school hours.  Plan to attend the Incoming Freshman Orientation Night on January 16, 2013 between 5:30 and 8:30 pm at D-C.  During the Orientation Night, students and parents will review and finalize course preferences and elective requests  Parents will sign and turn in the scheduling sheet at the high school that night 27

28. Middle School Nights Middle school night at DMS December 12 th, 2012 at 7pm High School Counselor 1 on 1 Visits Fri. January 11, 2013 during school Freshman Orientation Wed. January 16, 2013 5:30 to 8:30 pm 28

29. Wednesday January 16, 2013 5:30 to 8:30 pm  Gain more insight into transitioning to high school!  Turn in your course selections!  Take a tour of the school!  Meet coaches, faculty sponsors, and involved students!  Meet academic divisionals, guidance counselors! 29

30.  A message from students who were in your shoes just one year ago! 30

31. For More Information 224-484-xxxx  English / ESL ◦ Nicole Woodbury x 5018  Career and Technical Ed. ◦ Michelle Buhrow x 5037  World Language and Fine Arts ◦ Jennifer Troy x 5253  Mathematics ◦ Tim Bruell x 5254  Tutoring Center ◦ Stephanie Reed x 5247  Science ◦ Barb Sydnor x 5059  Social Studies ◦ Chris Lagioia x 5019  Education Services ◦ Susan Rohlwing x 5056  Counseling ◦ Jason Johnson x 5049  Freshman Coordinator ◦ Tom Rodman x 5065 31