2.  Preparing for the PLAN, IACT, and PSAE  Roles and communication among students, parents, counselors, and teachers  Obtaining the information you need  Sample Test Questions from PLAN/ACT  Available Resources (websites, testing tips)

3.  Mr. Chuck Bumbales, Principal  Mrs. Janine Steffen, Ed.D., Associate Principal  Mr. Nate Danielson, Math & Science Divisional  Mr. Geoff Falk, English & Social Science Divisional  Mr. Aaron Butler, Testing Coordinator  Mr. Anthony Lis, Kristina Wade, David Triana, and Jennifer Dowling, Counselors

4.  Student?  Parent?  Counselor?  Teacher?  Friend?

5.  What is the PLAN, IACT, and PSAE?  How is the PSAE scored?  Testing Schedule  Preparation Resources

6. …shows strengths and weaknesses in English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. …is part of the EPAS system of testing (EXPLORE, PLAN, ACT) …lets students know if they are on target for college. …shows what careers match a student’s interests. …helps students prepare for the ACT.

7.  Used by state of Illinois to determine Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)  ACT scores become part of school profile  Scores are posted on student transcripts  Free ACT score for college application  PSAE Awards  Meet graduation requirements  ACT scores can predict college success

8. ACTPLAN English 18 15 Reading 21 17 Math 22 19 Science 24 21 Students who meet a Benchmark on the ACT have approximately a 50 percent chance of earning a B or better and approximately a 75 percent chance of earning a C or better in the corresponding college course or courses. Students who meet a Benchmark on EXPLORE or PLAN are likely to have approximately this same chance of earning such a grade in the corresponding college course(s) by the time they graduate high school.

9. Colleges differ in their admission standards. Typical ACT score ranges are shown below.  Open16-23 (Community College)  Traditional18-24 (State Schools)  Selective21-26 (Private Schools)  Highly Selective 25+ (Elite)

10. ACT Reading + WK Reading for Information +Locating ACT Mathematics + WK Applied Mathematics ACT Science + ISBE-Developed Science PSAE Reading PSAE Mathematics PSAE Science

11.  Arrival and seating of examinees; distribution of test materials 7:40 – 7:45  Completion of student information section 7:45 – 8:45 [5 minute break in class]  PLAN English – 30 minutes (50 items) 8:50 – 9:20  PLAN Math – 40 minutes (40 items) 9:20 – 10:00 [5 minute break in class]  PLAN Reading – 20 minutes (25 items) 10:05 – 10:25  PLAN Science – 25 minutes (30 items) 10:25 – 10:50  Collection of materials 10:50 – 11:20  Lunch 11:25 – 11:55  Arrival and seating of examinees; distribution of test materials 7:40 – 7:45  Completion of student information section 7:45 – 8:45 [5 minute break in class]  PLAN English – 30 minutes (50 items) 8:50 – 9:20  PLAN Math – 40 minutes (40 items) 9:20 – 10:00 [5 minute break in class]  PLAN Reading – 20 minutes (25 items) 10:05 – 10:25  PLAN Science – 25 minutes (30 items) 10:25 – 10:50  Collection of materials 10:50 – 11:20  Lunch 11:25 – 11:55

12.  Distribution of test materials7:40-7:55  ACT English Test – 45 minutes (75 questions) 8:00-8:45  ACT Mathematics Test – 60 minutes (60 questions) 8:45-9:45 [required 15-minute break]  ACT Reading Test – 35 minutes (40 questions)10:00-10:35  ACT Science Test – 35 minutes (40 questions)10:35-11:10 [required 5-minute break]  ACT Writing Test – 50 minutes (1 prompt)11:15-12:05  Collection of materials 12:05-12:15  Distribution of test materials7:40-7:55  ACT English Test – 45 minutes (75 questions) 8:00-8:45  ACT Mathematics Test – 60 minutes (60 questions) 8:45-9:45 [required 15-minute break]  ACT Reading Test – 35 minutes (40 questions)10:00-10:35  ACT Science Test – 35 minutes (40 questions)10:35-11:10 [required 5-minute break]  ACT Writing Test – 50 minutes (1 prompt)11:15-12:05  Collection of materials 12:05-12:15

13.  Distribution of test materials 7:40-7:55  ACT English Test – 45 minutes (75 questions) 8:00-8:45  ACT Mathematics Test – 60 minutes (60 questions) 8:45 -9:45 [required 15-minute break]  ACT Reading Test – 35 minutes (40 questions) 10:00-10:35  ACT Science Test – 35 minutes (40 questions) 10:35-11:10  Collection of materials 11:10-11:15  Distribution of test materials 7:40-7:55  ACT English Test – 45 minutes (75 questions) 8:00-8:45  ACT Mathematics Test – 60 minutes (60 questions) 8:45 -9:45 [required 15-minute break]  ACT Reading Test – 35 minutes (40 questions) 10:00-10:35  ACT Science Test – 35 minutes (40 questions) 10:35-11:10  Collection of materials 11:10-11:15

14.  Distribution of test materials 7:40-7:50  ISBE-Developed Science Test – 40 minutes (45 questions) 7:50-8:30  WorkKeys Applied Mathematics Test – 45 minutes (33 questions) 8:30-9:15 [required 15-minute break]  WorkKeys Reading for Information Test – 45 minutes (33 questions) 9:30-10:15  WorkKeys Locating Information Test – 45 minutes (38 questions) 10:15-11:15  Collection of Materials 11:15-10:25  Distribution of test materials 7:40-7:50  ISBE-Developed Science Test – 40 minutes (45 questions) 7:50-8:30  WorkKeys Applied Mathematics Test – 45 minutes (33 questions) 8:30-9:15 [required 15-minute break]  WorkKeys Reading for Information Test – 45 minutes (33 questions) 9:30-10:15  WorkKeys Locating Information Test – 45 minutes (38 questions) 10:15-11:15  Collection of Materials 11:15-10:25

15. WorkKeys ® is a job skills assessment system, helping employers “select, hire, train, develop, and retain a high-performance workforce.”

16.  There are five levels of difficulty.  3 7 Least complex Most complex  The levels build on skills assessed at the previous levels.  There are five levels of difficulty.  3 7 Least complex Most complex  The levels build on skills assessed at the previous levels.

17.  Using information, calculations, or unit conversions to solve a problem  Looking up a formula and performing single- step conversions within or between systems of measurement  Calculating by using mixed units  Using one-and two-step calculations and comparing results  Calculating percent discounts or markups

18.  Five levels of difficulty  3 7 Least complex Most complex  Levels build on skills assessed at preceding levels  Level 3  Reading materials are short and direct  Readers find obvious details and follow short instructions  Level 7  Reading material is longer, denser, and more difficult  Readers must apply and interpret information  Five levels of difficulty  3 7 Least complex Most complex  Levels build on skills assessed at preceding levels  Level 3  Reading materials are short and direct  Readers find obvious details and follow short instructions  Level 7  Reading material is longer, denser, and more difficult  Readers must apply and interpret information

19.  Determining the correct meaning of a word based on how the word is used  Identifying the correct meaning of an acronym that is defined in the reading passage  Identifying the paraphrased definition of a technical term or jargon that is defined in the reading passage  Applying technical terms and jargon and relating them to stated situations  Applying straightforward instructions to a new situation that is similar to the one described in the material  Applying complex instructions that include conditionals to situations described in the material

20. For the first time in spring 2013, ISBE is providing ACT’s WorkKeys Locating Information test to enable students with eligible scores to qualify for ACT’s National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) EXACTLY 45 minutes (38 items) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1xRy9rdro8

22. PREPARING FOR THE TEST AND TEST TAKING STRATEGIES

23.  Preparing for the ACT, Overview and Preparation Guide for PSAE  ACT Prep Classes held at HHS  ZAPS Program (April 8 th & 9 th, 3:15 – 5:45 p.m. For more information visit www.zaps.com)

24. 1. Use rules of standard English. 2. Avoid redundancy. 3. When two parts of one sentence are underlined, solve the second part first and then come back to the first. 4. Everything that is NOT underlined is assumed to be correct. 5. Read sentences preceding and following an item. Pay attention to the context. 6. When guessing, choose the shorter option.

25.  Take a position and articulate a perspective on an issue  Maintain a clear focus throughout the essay  Use supportive evidence and logical reasoning  Organize ideas logically  Communicate clearly using standard English  Refute one argument from the opposing position

26.  Read the questions first. Look for a key word in the question and underline it.  Don’t get caught up on details or an unknown word in the reading.  Read a paragraph’s first and last sentences carefully and the middle sentences more quickly.  Eliminate definite wrong choices and pace yourself.

27. 1. Read each question carefully to make sure you understand the type of answer required. 2. If you choose to use a calculator, be sure it is permitted, is working on test day, and has reliable batteries. 3. Solve the problem. Answer every question. 4. Check your work.

28. 1. Read the question 1 st 2. Search for the answer in the appropriate passage 3. Narrow the choices if not sure of the answer 4. Give your best answer

29. 1. Have the appropriate materials with you 2. Read the questions carefully and determine what is being asked 3. Use formula sheets/calculator/resources if applicable 4. Select the best answer

30. Online Resources:  http://act.org http://act.org  www.act.org/workkeys www.act.org/workkeys  http://www.actstudent.org/plan/ http://www.actstudent.org/plan/  http://number2.com http://number2.com  www.4tests.com www.4tests.com  www.keytrain.com WorkKeys Online Test Prep www.keytrain.com Online Resources:  http://act.org http://act.org  www.act.org/workkeys www.act.org/workkeys  http://www.actstudent.org/plan/ http://www.actstudent.org/plan/  http://number2.com http://number2.com  www.4tests.com www.4tests.com  www.keytrain.com WorkKeys Online Test Prep www.keytrain.com

31.  ACT Question of the Day  ACT Online Prep --Diagnostic tests and personalized study path --Practice tests with real ACT test questions --Practice essays for the ACT Writing Test, with real time scoring --Review for each of the ACT’s four required tests: English, Math, Reading, and Science  ACT Question of the Day  ACT Online Prep --Diagnostic tests and personalized study path --Practice tests with real ACT test questions --Practice essays for the ACT Writing Test, with real time scoring --Review for each of the ACT’s four required tests: English, Math, Reading, and Science

32. Resources There are a variety of online and print resources that parents and students may wish to purchase.  ACT’s—“The Real ACT Prep Guide”  Princeton Review— “Cracking the ACT”  Kaplan ACT 2013

34. References act.org actparent.org actstudent.org isbe.net zaps.com