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Making Sense of Testing

Making the most of testing

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Testing in High School

Three main Categories

Classroom Tests and Final Exams

State STAAR Tests

National/State Standardized Tests

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Class Tests & Final Exams

Classroom tests and final exams-

You study for these based on your teachers instructions. Remember tests fall into the Major grade category which means they count more than daily work.

Reviewing for tests is important, - make test corrections if this is an option your teacher allows.

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Reviewing for classroom tests and exams

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What is a good way to study for a test?

Exam Preparation: Ten Study Tips

  • Give yourself enough time to study.
  • Organize your study space.
  • Use flow charts and diagrams.
  • Practice on old exams.
  • Explain your answers to others.
  • Organize study groups with friends.
  • Take regular breaks
  • Snack on brain food.

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STAAR TESTS-

are required for Graduation.

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- You will take 5 STAAR tests in High School- the first three in 9th grade. Passing these tests is part of your graduation requirements.

*9th Grade: *English 1 * Algebra 1 , * Biology

*10th Grade: * English II

*11th Grade : * US History

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National Standardized Test

Standardized Testing for Scholarships and College Entrance

  • PSAT- a practice SAT that students may opt to take in 9th, 10th, and 11th grade- 11th graders will be considered for the National Merit scholarship program based on their scores. Students typically take the PSAT in 10th and 11th grade.
  • SAT- College Entrance test offered by College Board- The SAT consists of sections in reading and math- the test should be online by the time current 9th graders are juniors. Most student that take SAT take it in the spring of their junior year.
  • ACT- College Entrance test- The ACT has test section for english, math, reading, and Scientific reasoning.
  • AP Tests- These are end of course exams offered by College Board for any AP class so that students can earn college credit. The scores range from 1-5 . It is up to each College how what level of AP Score is required to earn credit.

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State of Texas Offers the TSIA2 assessment for students entering a public college program in the state of Texas- it is also sometimes used by other colleges and universities to show college readiness.

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Richardson ISD students take the TSIA2 in order to qualify for Dual Credit classes and in the 10 grade. Students may take the TSI multiple times to earn the required scores. There are multiple ways to be exempted- see your counselor for details. Use the link below to find out more about the TSI. https://tinyurl.com/4jh78yue - students may be exempt from the TSIA2 with certain SAT, PSAT, ACT scores.

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Texas Success Initiative

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TheTSIA2 test is has 4 sections is based on the Texas high school curriculum

*Mathematics Assessment *Reading Assessment * Writing Assessment* Essay

➢ TSI Exemptions: SAT, ACT, PSAT ○ SAT & ACT score report has to be provided by College Board or other approved source ○ SAT: 480+ on the Evidence-Baesd Reading and Writing 530+ on Math portion ○ ACT: 19+ on both the English and Math portions with a Composite of 23+ ○ PSAT Needs to be NMSQT - EBRW 460 and/or Math 510

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To Be Exempt from TSIA2 requirement for Texas State Public Colleges and Universities see below,

ACT -- Composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on the English test shall be exempt for both the reading and writing sections of the TSI Assessment, and/or 19 on the mathematics tests shall be exempt for the mathematics section of the TSI Assessment.

SAT Testing administered on or after March 5, 2016 -- a minimum score of 480 on the Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) test shall be exempt for both reading and writing sections of the TSI Assessment; a minimum score of 530 on the mathematics test shall be exempt for the mathematics section of the TSI Assessment.

STAAR: STAAR Testing beginning in spring 2014 -- For a period of 5 years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs on the eleventh grade exit-level STAAR end-of-course (EOC) with a 4000 minimum score (on the combined reading and writing test) of Level 2 on the English III shall be exempt from the TSI assessment required for reading and writing. A student with a 4000 minimum score of Level 2 on the Algebra II EOC shall be exempt from the TSI assessment required for the mathematics section.

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Exemptions: To Be Exempt from TSIA2 students must meet one of the following

ACT -- Composite score of 23 with a minimum of 19 on the English test shall be exempt for both the reading and writing sections of the TSI Assessment, and/or 19 on the mathematics tests shall be exempt for the mathematics section of the TSI Assessment.

SAT Testing administered -- a minimum score of 480 on the Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) test shall be exempt for both reading and writing sections of the TSI Assessment; a minimum score of 530 on the mathematics test shall be exempt for the mathematics section of the TSI Assessment.

STAAR Testing beginning in spring 2014 -- For a period of 5 years from the date of testing, a student who is tested and performs on the eleventh grade exit-level STAAR end-of-course (EOC) with a 4000 minimum score (on the combined reading and writing test) of Level 2 on the English III shall be exempt from the TSI assessment required for reading and writing. A student with a 4000 minimum score of Level 2 on the Algebra II EOC shall be exempt from the TSI assessment required for the mathematics section.

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PSAT, SAT, ACT, and TSI- you can prepare

Try the following links to find free practice tests and materials.

  • Go to the college board website to find reviews and practice tests

https://searchresults.collegeboard.org/cb/index.html?searchType=site&siteType=default&query=practic+for+tests

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  • Go to the ACT site for reviews

https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation.html

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