Fall 2015

Standardized Testing

PSAT

Wednesday, October 14, 2015Results in December—very useful!9th graders-PSAT 8/9—baseline10th graders—just practice11th graders—practice and National Merit Qualifying

Old PSAT vs. New PSAT

3 sections•Math•Critical reading•Writing skillsTotal score = 60-240

3 section scoresEach section worth 20-80

2 hours, 10 minutes

¼ point deduction for incorrect answers

2 sections•Math•Evidence-based reading

and writingTotal score = 320-1520

2 section scoresEach section worth 160-760

2 hours, 45 minutes

No penalty for incorrect answers

Similar to new SAT

New PSAT (2015)

Relevant Words in ContextCommand of EvidenceEssay Analyzing a SourceFocus on Math that Matters MostProblems Grounded in Real-World Contexts

Analysis in Science and in History/Social Studies

Founding Documents and Great Global Conversation

No Penalty for Wrong Answers

Current SAT(Scholastic Aptitude Test)

3 sections: Math, Critical Reading, Writing

Writing is not optionalAre colleges looking at the writing section?

Offered 7 times throughout the yearSitting: 2-3 times in winter/spring of 11th grade/fall of 12th grade

Structure of Current SAT

• 10 sections: 3 hours and 45 minutes• One 25 minute Essay section• Two 25 minute Math sections• Two 25 minute Critical Reading sections• One 25 minute multiple choice Writing section

• One 20 minute Math section• One 20 minute Critical Reading section• One additional 25 minute section of Math, CR, or Writing (unscored “variable” section)

• One 10 minute multiple choice writing section

Scoring for Current SAT

A raw score between 200 and 800 is given in 10-pt. increments for each section category: Reading, Writing and Math.

2014 National Average ScoresReading – 495Math – 511Writing – 484

Total score mean = 1490

Scholastic Aptitude Test(PSAT/SAT)

New SAT (2016)

3 Hours/4 parts: Reading, Writing and Language, Math, and 50-min optional essay (recommended)

Relevant Words in ContextCommand of EvidenceEssay Analyzing a SourceFocus on Math that Matters MostProblems Grounded in Real-World ContextsAnalysis in Science and in History/Social Studies

Founding Documents and Great Global Conversation

400–1600 score scale4 answer choicesNo Penalty for Wrong Answers

SAT Registration

Offered at EA (testing site) on select dates

EA Code 393300Students with accommodations A valid ID is a must

SAT II: Subject Tests

LiteratureUnited States History

World HistoryMath 1- Alg 2 and Geom

Math 2- Pre-calc/Trig

BiologyChemistry Physics

ChineseFrench GermanHebrew (reading only)

Italian (reading only)

JapaneseKoreanLatin (reading only)

Spanish

SAT II: Subject Tests

Who should take them?When?How many?Which tests?How are they used by colleges?

Score Choice

SAT Select by date (not by section)

Subject Tests Select by subject test

NOT likely to make a difference

ACT (American College Testing)

English, Reading, Math, ScienceWriting is optional, but take it!Not penalized for wrong answersScore choice by dateCan replace SAT with Subject Tests at some colleges

Offered 6 times throughout the yearStudents with testing accommodations

ACT Structure

Four tests and one optional Essay test English

75 multiple choice questions 45 minute test

Math 60 multiple choice questions 60 minute test Emphasis on Geometry with some Algebra and Trigonometry

Reading 40 multiple choice questions 35 minute test

Science 40 multiple choice questions 35 minute test Questions based on science-related passages

Writing 1 optional essay 30 minute test

New for ACT (2015)

Presents conversations around contemporary issues

Offers three diverse perspectives that encourage critical engagement with the issue

Asks students to develop an argument that puts their own perspective in dialogue with others

40 minutes to plan and composeGuidance and structure for planning and prewriting

In previous version, students are given two different viewpoints, and are asked to take a position on one.

How the ACT is Scored

Student will earn 1 to 36 on each testACT composite score is the average of the (sub)tests (does not include writing).

The national average is 20.9.

Students will see sub scores between 1-18 in some tests. These just provide more detail about performance. They are not used by colleges or universities.

Current SAT vs. ACT The Princeton Review…

ACT questions tend to be more straightforward.

SAT has a stronger emphasis on vocabulary.

ACT has a science section; SAT does not.ACT tests more advanced math concepts.ACT Writing is “optional.” (Take it.)The SAT is broken up into more sections.The ACT is more of a“big picture”exam.

Timeline Considerations

FinalsAP ExamsWhen college applications are submitted

Advanced Placement (AP) Exams

Register in March-EA automatically registers students Use same name and SS#

Classroom teacher will provide detailsCan help with admissions and earn credit/advanced standing

Students with accommodations—get the same accommodations as for PSAT/SAT

Testing Preparation

SAT/ACT Independent work Online resources (e.g., Khan Academy, SAT Question of the Day)

Group classes Individual tutors

Subject Tests/AP Must study! Classes, study books, etc.

General Strategies

AssessmentGrade Levels

Time Frame

PSAT 8/9 9 October

PSAT 10-11 October

Various Subject-Specific Achievement Tests/Competitions

9-12 Late Winter/Spring

SAT: I (Reasoning Test) and SAT: II (Subject Tests)

11-12 Varies- Student Option

ACT 11-12 Varies- Student Option

Advanced Placement 10-12

Standardized Testing Calendar

National Center for Fair and Open Testing

www.fairtest.org

Hundreds of schools no longer require standardized testing

Mostly liberal arts colleges including some selective ones

Usually need to provide a writing sample or alternative submission

There may be exceptions

FREE SAT/ACT Prep:https://www.khanacademy.orgwww.mystudentedge.com (both)www.ineedapencil.com (SAT only)

Resourceswww.collegeboard.comwww.actstudent.orgwww.fairtest.orgNaviance- access through EA’s website.

THANK YOU!

Questions?