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.  READY  RESPONSIBLE  RESPECTFUL 2

3.  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. 3

4.  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. 4

5.  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. 5

6. ◦ 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. 6

7. 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. 7

8.  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. 8

9.  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. 9

10.  Students answered questions about their educational plans and career area preference. 10

11.  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. 11

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13.  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. 13

14.  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 14

15.  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 15

16.  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 16

17.  What electives are available? ◦ 2012-2013 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. 17

18. 18 Visit this site to learn more about the electives offered to freshmen.

19.  1. On paper ◦ Review the list of electives ◦ Discuss with your parents ◦ Fill out the homework sheet ◦ Bring it in a 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 19

20. 20 Click

21. 21 Click

22.  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. 22

23.  Jerry Weir, 8 th Grade Counselor ◦ 224-484-4517 ◦ Jerome.weir@d300.org Jerome.weir@d300.org Elizabeth Thompson, 6 th and 7 th Grade Counselor ◦ 224-484-4516 ◦ Elizabeth.thompson@d300.org 23

24. Semester 1Semester 2 Period 1English 9 Period 2World History Period 3Algebra Period 4Elective Lunch Period 5Biology Period 6Advisory Period 7PE Period 8Elective 24 Sample student schedule:

25. 25 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

26.  8 th graders will meet with high school counselors the week of January 7 th to discuss electives (dates and times vary at each middle school)  Plan to attend the Incoming Freshman Orientation Night on January 16th  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 26

27. Middle School Nights Middle school night at middle schools: Week of December 10 th, 2011 High School Counselor 1 on 1 Visits Week of January 7 th, 2012 Freshman Orientation Wednesday, January 16, 2012 27

28.  Information Sessions will be held at 6:00 and 7:00  You can also do the following: ◦ Go on student-led tours ◦ Visit freshman classrooms ◦ Meet and talk to a variety of Jacobs students ◦ Ask questions about courses with our Division Heads ◦ Find out about clubs, activities, and sports ◦ Meet important people ◦ Learn about Freshman life 28

29.  A message from students who were in your shoes just one year ago! 29

30. For More Information  English ◦ Jenny Christian x 6311  CTE ◦ Gail Van Sickle x 6341  Foreign Language and Fine Arts ◦ Amy Pieniazkiewicz x 6381  Mathematics ◦ Steve Shadel x 6361  Tutoring Center ◦ x 6192  Science ◦ Terry Stroh x 6281  Social Studies ◦ Marce Kersten x 6251  Education Services ◦ Stacy Wilkinson x 6201  Counseling ◦ Ken Windisch x 6145  Freshman Life ◦ Jaime Van Horn x 6124 30