2. Welcome Sophomore Parents Were glad youre here! West Chicago Community High School District 94

3. Meet the Ball Aptitude Battery n Known as the BAB, it is a measure of aptitudes. n Aptitude describes the ability to learn skills. n Aptitudes translate into possible strengths and weaknesses that can affect success in school and careers. n Students who learn more about their aptitudes can make better decisions about what classes to take. n Plus, its fun to learn about ourselves!

4. As you look at your students results, keep in mind: n Lower scores do NOT necessarily mean that certain skills cannot be learned. n Like muscles, aptitudes can be exercised and improved. n As you will see, not all aptitudes are best described as high or low.

5. So, what do the scores mean? Lets take a look!

6. Scores within the 1-33% range: n This particular aptitude is not a strong point right now. n Some training might be necessary to make the acquisition of skills easier.

7. Scores within the 24%-66% range: n Aptitudes in this range are average for this age. n Some strengths make skills related to these aptitudes attainable with little extra assistance.

8. Scores within the 67%-99% range: n There is a likelihood that there is an ability to use this aptitude, and skills related to it, faster and with more ease than other students this age. n Ideally, students should compare these aptitudes and strengths with potential careers and course choices.

9. 7 Categories of Aptitude Measures n Speed & Accuracy n Memory n Reasoning n Academic n Spatial n Creativity n Orientation

10. Speed & Accuracy n Clerical: high scorers have an increased ability to perform accurate, detailed work. – Low scorers might try setting aside more focused time, or breaking up time into intervals n Writing Speed: high scorers will adjust to high-speed writing found in school & work. – A lower score might indicate a need for more time in writing tasks and learning good note- taking skills...keyboarding may help.

11. Memory n Associative Memory: short-term memory aptitude with remembering names, dates, numbers. – Important in most clerical, scientific, technical, and business occupations. n Auditory Memory Span:ability to concentrate on, and remember, what is heard. n Students in the mid to low range of either area might benefit from good notes and records, & memory-building exercises.

12. Reasoning n Analytical Reasoning: ability to understand relationships between ideas and organize them in a logical manner (problem-solving). – students with lower scores prefer step-by-step approaches. n Inductive Reasoning: ability to find relationships among seemingly unrelated information. – students with lower scores tend to be more comfortable making decisions with more facts and opinions from others.

13. Academic n Vocabulary: affected by education and environment, one of the easiest to build. n Numerical Computation: ability to apply basic math skills, and the foundation for accounting, engineering, computer programming. n Numerical Reasoning: ability to use logical thinking in complex math problems. Higher scores are needed for math-related careers.

14. Spatial (Best described on a continuum) n Higher scores indicate a strength in thinking in 3 dimensions, such as reading blue prints. n Mid-range scores indicate a tendency to be more comfortable with abstract ideas if the practical application is evident. n A lower score might indicate some difficulty in picturing things in 3-D, but a possible advantage in visualizing ideas related to finance and the law.

15. Creativity n Best described as a preference aptitude. n Students with a higher score have an ability to think on their feet, and a tendency to express themselves either verbally or in writing. n Mid-range scorers are less distractible, and can concentrate for longer periods of time. n Students with lower scores also tend to be less distracted and dont have as strong a need for variety.

16. Orientation (Another preference aptitude) n Generalists (higher scorers) tend to see things in typical ways, thus relating to a variety of people; are good managers. n Specialists (lower scorers) see things from their own unique perspectives, enjoy a clear area of expertise and being responsible for themselves. n Mid-range scorers have traits of both, and are usually able to function in either role.

17. Remember… n Aptitudes are important, but are only a part of the career decision-making process. n Students must also consider values, interests, and personality traits in making a good career choice.

18. So, lets take the next logical step!