A new test will help gauge your students’ level of abilities and enthusiasm for college.

Eighth grade students will soon be taking part in the EXPLORE assessment by ACT, an independent, not-for-profit organization best known for their college entrance exam.

The EXPLORE assessment is a national, curriculum-based assessment comprised of four timed 30-minute multiple-choice subject tests focused on English, mathematics, reading, and science. Students also complete an interest inventory as part of the assessment administration. Students’ scores are then compared to others from across the country.

According to ACT, the EXPLORE assessment offers an early indication of students’ college readiness and “prepares students not only for their high school coursework, but for their post-high school choices as well.”

Although students do not receive a formal grade, data gathered from the EXPLORE assessment are reviewed and used to determine academic strengths and weaknesses and help students as well as counselors build a high school plan that will help students get closer to their future goals. To obtain the most accurate data available, it is essential that all eighth-grade students participate in this mandatory assessment.

“Academic proficiency is at the top of our list when it comes to student learning outcomes.” said Dr. Don Robertson, assistant superintendent for the Department of Educational Leadership and Assessment.  “The EXPLORE assessment meets this goal because not only does it let us know where our students are academically, it also provides a comparison to students across the nation.  The data from the interest inventory can also inform the development of a student’s personal learning plan that will help align academic and career goals with the student’s course of study.”

The EXPLORE assessment will be administered Oct. 8-19 at each middle school and at Renaissance Academy.  A summary of results from the 2011 administration of the EXPLORE assessment is available on the school division website, vbschools.com, under the School Data/Research link.  Questions about the assessment should be directed to the Office of Student Assessment at 757-263-1030.

 

 

 

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