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| ACT Test |
There are numerous ACT testing sites across the state of Michigan. Fenton, Lake Fenton and HollyHigh Schools are local ACT testing sites Saturday and June 11. All students have the opportunity to take the ACT, although a majority of testers are high school juniors and seniors.
High school administrators and teachers work diligently to prepare students for the ACT by aligning curriculum to state standards, creating assessments that model the ACT and providing time to practice.
“Preparation for the ACT is an ongoing process as a student transitions from elementary school to high school graduation," Lake Fenton Principal Jerry Kramer said. “The administration oversees the curriculum and teacher instruction to make sure the state objectives are being taught by each instructor.
“Students become prepared by successfully completing courses that align to the state curriculum,” he said.
Teachers have administrative support to aid them in providing the best instructional techniques to prepare students for the ACT. According to Kramer, meeting time is provided for each department to review the ACT test and determine alignment of the test with curriculum presented to the students.
“I advise students to pay attention to the directions and ask more questions,” Lake Fenton math teacher Kirk Ayotte said. “I tell students to know test-taking strategies for timed tests and be sure to get enough rest and nutrition.”
Teachers embed ACT test-taking techniques into curricula, and they also make ACT a part of their classroom environment. Fenton math teacher Abby French stresses the importance of the ACT itself and its effect on her students’ future by posting information, study tips and inspirational quotes around her classroom.
“I tell students if financially able, take ACT preparatory classes, complete ACT preparatory books and, most importantly, take the ACT more than one time,” French said.
Many schools offer an ACT course for students. Lake Fenton and Holly have implemented a 12-week ACT prep course for high school juniors. Students rotate math, science, English and social studies courses every three weeks. They learn what the test looks like, the types of questions and the techniques of completing each core area test.
Fenton High School requires all students to take a course called Student Resource Time, or SRT. Writing pieces called portfolio papers are assigned and graded from students’ classes and then turned into a personal student file in each SRT as a requirement of this class. The grading rubric for writings follows that of the writing rubric of the ACT.
“This requirement is forcing students to practice writing throughout the curriculum, experience the grading process prior to the ACT, while bettering their writing skills overall,” stated French.
The schools also work to ensure that future ACT test takers will have a higher success rate. Kramer said all ninth-graders are given the ACT Plan test, and all 10-grade students take a retired ACT test to practice for the test given in their junior year.
Administrators and teachers then assess the data from these practice tests.
“The results are used to identify students that may need additional instruction in subject areas that will be tested on the ACT in the 11th grade," Kramer said.
Michigan State University is one of many universities that uses ACT scores as one of the requirements for admission.
Fred Barton, coordinator of Michigan State University's Learning Resources Center, said the best way to prepare for the ACT is with test taking strategies.
“The best way high schools can prepare students for the ACT is a one-size-fits-all approach, with focus on doing well on the test and not necessarily developing skills helpful for success at the university level," Barton said.
Barton explained that the importance of ACT scores for admission into a university is a complex issue.
“Some studies identify a mixture of achievement goals, ability measure and prior high school performance as leading indicators of success," he said. "Othersfocus on high school grades.”
The University of Michigan also requires the ACT for admission.
According to Kimberley Williams, UM's director of admissions, the university looks at several key variables that, in combination, are predictors of college success: rigorous course of study in high school, standardized test scores, level of math completed, locus of control and even extracurricular activities.
“All of the aforementioned success indicators are important; the goal is to admit students who will be successful and who will graduate,” Williams said. “A strong ACT (or SAT) score strengthens a student’s application.
“Since the ACT is directly related to what students have learned in high school in courses such as English, mathematics and science, district leaders should encourage students to maximize their time and effort in school."
Oakland University also utilizes ACT scores for admission. “Overall, the ACT is a literacy test," said Wendy Farkus, special lecturer in the Department of Writing and Rhetoric. "The more we have students read and practice the reading processes through engaging strategy use, the better their ACT scores will be, which will directly impact college entrance and scholarship qualification.”
There are additional ways for students to prepare for the ACT outside of school. The ACT website offers free online practice tests. There is also 4Tests: Your Free, Online, Practice Test Site!
Sources: http://fenton.patch.com
