Eighth Graders Receive Explore Test Results

Pencils are down and the results are in.  Eighth grade students at Robbinsdale Middle School (RMS) and Plymouth Middle School (PMS) recently received the results of the Explore Test.  This test, created by the same company that writes the ACT, provides students with nationally normed scoring information to help them better prepare for the ACT college entrance exam and also provides feedback on possible career choices.

According to the district office, 419 PMS and 163 RMS eighth grade students chose to take this optional exam offered in November. Because the test is written by the ACT Corporation, it gives students an early look at the style of the exam questions and provides both subject specific and a composite scores.  Students are tested in English, Math, Reading and Science and each section has a strict 30-minute time limit.

After completing the academic portion of the exam, students also completed the 72-item UNIACT Interest Inventory that was then used to suggest career possibilities.  Along with their test results, students were given a World of Work Map with career areas highlighted that matched their preferences.

Students and parents were also provided with the test booklet so that they can look back at each question to see where mistakes were made.  Tips to improve student skills in each testing area are also listed.

This month, all middle school students are completing the Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) exams in math and reading.  In April, students in grades 6-8 will take the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment II (MCAII).  If you have questions regarding tests your student will be taking at any grade level, please contact your school’s guidance counselor office.

More information on the Explore Test and other ACT testing and preparation can be found at http://www.act.org/explore/index.html.