New Kaplan Test Prep Courses offered for PSAT, ACT and SAT

Kaplan is now offering online courses to help students prepare for PSAT, Sat and ACT.  Go to www.kaptest/newwaytoprep to get a sneak peak.

Testing Information

Sun Prairie High School Code:  502-242

ACT

The ACT tests a variety of academic areas and is the preferred assessment of University of Wisconsin System Schools.  The ACT is acceptable for most colleges and universities throughout the United States for admission purposes.  Pick up your registration packet and practice test covering all subject areas in the Student Services office or register on-line at www.actstudent.org.  You are encouraged to use the practice test.

ZAP the ACT, an ACT prepatory class, will be offered at Sun Prairie High School on Monday, February 28, 2011 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  To take advantage of this opportunity, you may enroll on-line at www.zaps.com and pay $75 by credit card or check.  Alternatively, you may call toll-free 877-927-8378 to enroll.

 ACT (No Writing) ...................................$33.00

ACT Plus Writing………………………$48.00

Additional Fees:
 

      5th/6th College Choices................add $10 each

      Late registration..............................add $21

      Standy testing on test day.............add $41

      Test date change............................add $20

      Test center change.........................add $20

SAT

The SAT tests to see how a student's reasoning abilities and academic strengths compare with those of the 2 million students who take the SAT tests each year.  Colleges and scholarship programs will use your academic record, extracurricular schievements, SAT test scores, teacher recommendations, and answers to application questions to see how well prepared you are to do college-level work.  Registration packets are available in the Student Services office or you may register on-line at www.collegeboard.com. 

Fees (2010-2011):   
SAT Test....................................................................$47            

SAT Subject Test

                Basic Registration.........................................$21

Late fee.....................................................................$24

SAT Prep Plan   This site is offered free to help students identify areas to practice on the SAT.

WKCE   (Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination)

The WKCE is a standardized test used in schools to measure student achievement in language arts, reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies.  It measures what students have learned up to the point of testing.  Students receive proficiency scores (advanced, proficient, basic and minimal) based on their performance on this examination.  The WKCE will be administered to all sophomores during Fall.  As this is mandatory state testing, stduents will need to make up any test they miss due to absences.  Alternate assessments may be given to students with disabilities and English language learners.  The assessment is implemented as an accountability system for schools and districts.  It provides to students, parents and teachers information about a student's attainment of academic proficiency for measurement and planning of district curriculum.

Test results are used by the Department of Public Instruction as an accountability measure to meet federal regulations of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB).  Results may be used to identify low-performing schools and to determine whether schools are making adequate yearly progress (AYP).  School districts nationwide are expected to have students reacher 100% proficiency by the year 2014.  Sanctions may be applied to districts that do not make consistent AYP.

More information for parents about state testing, including sample questions, can by found by linking to http://dpi.wi.gov/oea/parents.html.

PSAT/NMSQT     (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Qualifying Test)

The PSAT (Preliminary SAT) will be given for in October for SPHS juniors.  The test is given only once a year and measures verbal, mathematical and writing skills.  It is a practice for the SAT and is one of the first opportunities potential college-bound students have to compare their scholastic aptitude to that of other college-bound students.  It is also the only way for juniors to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program competition.  (The competition is keen.  Last year nationwide over 1.2 million students competed for 7600 scholarships.)  Sophomores in the upper 25% of their class are encouraged to take the PSAT as a practice for the official junior test if they think they will be National Merit competitive. 

Students will be given a practice test booklet at the time of registration to help them prepare for the test.

Advanced Placement Program Examinations (AP)

AP testing will occurs in late Spring.  For the most recent exam schedule and other pertinent information about Sun Prairie High School's AP program, please visit http://www.sunprairie.k12.wi.us/faculty/ydsmith/overview_program.cfm#d27396 .

PLAN Test

The PLAN is the 10th grade test that provides students an idea of how they may perform on the ACT assessment.  The ACT assessment is taken in the junior or senior year and is used for college admission.  In addition to gauging academic achievement, PLAN provides information for education and career planning.

Each participating student receives a score report that:

• Identifies academic strengths and weaknesses
• Identifies incorrect answers and provides the correct answers for studying for the ACT
• Helps student explore career interest
• Helps focus on goals and the preparation needed to achieve them

Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

Your scores on the ASVAB will determine how qualified you are for certain military occupational specialties and enlistment bonuses.  A high score will improve your chances of getting the specialty/job and signing bonus you want.  http://www.military.com/ASVAB.

 Useful Websites

COMPASS   The COMPASS is a placement test used at various technical and community colleges.

Test Preview   Free ACT/SAT practice tests for students.

UW System Placement Testing   As a rule, all incoming freshmen are required to take the English and Math Placement Tests prior to registering for classes.

The Advanced Placement Program

The Talented and Gifted (TAG) Program