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Testing

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Tests Required for Graduation

  • What are STAAR end-of-course exams?
    • STAAR stands for State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness. High school students must take and pass certain required courses and the end-of-course exams for those courses. The assessments are based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, the state curriculum standards. The end-of-course exams are designed to ensure that students are learning specific course material and are prepared to succeed in college and/or careers.
  • Who is required to take STAAR in high school?
    • Students who entered the ninth grade in the 2011-2012 school year or later must pass 5 STAAR end-of-course tests to graduate from a Texas public high school. Those 5 tests are:
      • English I, English II, Algebra I, Biology & U.S. History
  • How often are end-of-course tests administered?
    • Each test is given 3 times a year to provide multiple testing opportunities for those who don’t pass an assessment on the initial attempt.

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College

Testing

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TSI (Texas Success Initiative) Test

  • Purpose of the test
    • The Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA) is the test created by the state of Texas to help determine whether students are ready for freshman-level college courses in mathematics and English language arts and reading (ELAR).
    • High school graduates who do not meet one or more of the benchmarks on the TSIA/TSIA2 are required to participate in developmental education prior to, or together with, enrollment in freshman-level college courses.
    • The TSIA/TSIA2 is a computer adaptive test, which means questions may increase or decrease in difficulty depending on the student’s responses. The TSIA/TSIA2 is not timed, and students may pause the test anytime during their session except during the essay portion.
  • Who takes these tests in RISD?
    • This test is given to all 10th graders in the spring semester of their 10th grade year, however, students can register for and take this test at a Dallas College campus at any time.
  • How much does it cost?
    • RISD pays the cost for all 10th grade students. If a student wants to take it on their own, they may have to pay a small fee.
  • Scoring
    • English Language Arts & Reading section: 945-990 is considered passing/college ready. If a student scores below 945, a diagnostic test will be unlocked and a score of 5+ is considered passing/college ready.
    • Essay section: 5-8 is considered passing/college ready
    • Math section: 950-990 is considered passing college ready. If a student scores below 950, a diagnostic test will be unlocked and a score of 6+ is considered passing/college ready.

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PSAT/NMSQT

(National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)

  • Purpose of the test
    • Determine eligibility and qualification for the National Merit Scholarship Program during the junior year. It also serves as a practice test for the SAT.
  • Who takes these tests in RISD?
    • Test is given in October to all 9th-11th graders
  • How much does it cost?
    • $18
  • Scoring
    • Total Score Range: 320 - 1520
    • English Based Reading & Writing (EBRW) Range: 160-760
    • Math Range: 160-760
  • Click or scan here to learn more about the National Merit Scholarship Program
  • How to win the scholarship

Find out more here →

Understanding Your Scores

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SAT

  • Purpose of the test
    • Measure a high school student's readiness for college, & provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants.
  • Who takes these tests in RISD?
    • This is a national test any student can register, pay and take the test.
    • Test is typically taken during 11th grade
  • How much does it cost?
    • $55 / No longer is there an option for the essay
  • Scoring
    • Total Score Range: 400-1600 (Average score 1068 and 90% is 1350)
    • English Based Reading & Writing (EBRW) Range: 200-800 �(Average score = 536)
    • Math Range: 200-800 (Average score = 531)
    • Scores are reported via the College Board portal 15 days after the test
    • Can send scores to 4 schools for free each time you take the test
    • Scores do not directly provide students with scholarships. �However, colleges can evaluate scores for their own scholarship programs.

Find out more here →

Test Dates

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ACT

  • Purpose of the test
    • Measure a high school student's readiness for college, & provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants.
  • Who takes these tests in RISD?
    • RISD provides a free ACT District test with writing in spring of Junior year. National test any student can register, pay and take the test.
  • How much does it cost?
    • Free if taken with RISD
    • If taken out of district - $60 without the writing or $85 with the writing
  • Scoring
    • Composite Score Range: 1-36 (Average score is a 21) Made of the average of the 4 section scores
    • English Score Range: 1-36
    • Math Score Range: 1-36
    • Reading Score Range: 1-36
    • Science Score Range: 1-36
    • Optional Writing Score Range: 1-6
    • Scores are reported via the ACT portal 2 weeks after the test if taken out of district
    • In district testing scores mailed home to students approximately 8 weeks after the test is administered. Scores placed in ACT portal 1 to 2 weeks after students receive the printed score reports in the mail.
    • Can send scores to 4 schools for free each time you take the test
    • Scores do not directly provide students with scholarships. However, colleges can evaluate scores for their own scholarship programs.

Find out more here →

Test Dates

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What is the difference between the SAT & the ACT?

  • SAT is an aptitude test - “reasoning/how you think”
  • ACT is an achievement test - “content/what you know”
  • ACT has a Science Reasoning Section.
  • SAT has two math sections, one of which does not allow the use of a calculator.
  • ACT has one math section with approved calculator.
  • ACT has an optional essay - register for it WITH the writing.
  • Most colleges accept either SAT or ACT.
  • When registering, take advantage of the opportunity to send scores to up to four colleges (for free). If you wait until after the test, you might have to pay extra.
  • Colleges require that your test scores be sent from the testing company, not from your high school
  • Some colleges now allow students to self-report test scores.
  • If you want to play sports in college, test scores must be sent to the NCAA Eligibility Center.

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Advanced Placement (AP) Tests

  • Purpose of the test
    • AP exams assess your knowledge of AP course material and determine whether you are qualified to test out of similar introductory courses in college. A high score on an AP Test indicates that you are capable of working at the college level in the subject.
  • Who takes these tests in RISD?
    • Students that are enrolled in AP courses have the option to test in May for the courses in which they are enrolled
  • How much does it cost?
    • $96 per exam
  • Benefits of taking AP tests
    • Get early experience with college level coursework
    • Develop college level study & critical thinking skills
    • Earn college credit and placement
    • Save money and time in the long run & potentially graduate from college early
    • Stand out to colleges on college applications
    • Keep your options open when choosing and/or changing majors in college
    • Boost your high school GPA

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Fee Waiver Eligibility

Students eligible for the Free/Reduced Lunch Program are also eligible for:

  • Fee Waivers for both the SAT and ACT Tests
  • College Admission Fee Waivers
  • Fee reductions for AP tests
  • Reduced summer school fees
  • Parents MUST apply for the Federal Free/Reduced Lunch Program EACH year in order for their children to be eligible
  • Parents can also apply at https://www.nlappscloud.com/

You don't have to eat the lunch!

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