Parent Conversations

“Because You Asked”November 21, 2011

New study by PISA (Program for International Student Assessment

-tests 15-year-olds in the world’s leading industrialized nations on their reading comprehension and ability to use what they’ve learned in math and science to solve real problems

Findings

Fifteen-year-old students whose parents often read books with them during their first year of primary school show markedly higher scores

Just asking your child how was their school day and showing genuine interest in the learning that they are doing can have the same impact as hours of private tutoring

Another study: “Back to School” (National School Boards Association’s Center for Public Education

These parent actions are linked to better attendance, grades, test scores, and preparation for college:

monitoring homework

making sure children get to school;

rewarding their efforts (praise, not cash)

talking up the idea of going to college

Parent Survey Results (2010)

Parents wonder if CAJ adequately prepares their child for the SAT test

Parents had some questions about how CAJ meets the needs of students who might be struggling academically

Parents may have lacked information about services CAJ gives preparing students for college entrance

Parents had differences of opinion about the amount of homework given at CAJ, but want homework to be spread out more effectively, not too many significant overlapping assignments

Parents invited to email questions

How can I help my child prepare for the SAT?

How can I help my child improve his/her study skills?

Standardized Testing

CAJ prepares students!

Guidance Homerooms once a month

Regular class curriculum

SAT study day

Online materials

SAT and SAT Subject Tests

What is the Standardized Achievement Test?

A standardized test to determine how ready you are for college and required for admission into most colleges with English instruction.

Who needs to take it?

Anyone entering college with an American high school diploma

Anyone attending a college with English instruction. (U.S., Canada, Japan, Australia)

What’s an SAT Subject Test?

Definition: A standardized test in one specific subject area

Subjects: English, History, Math, Science, Languages

Why take SAT Subject tests?

Admissions requirement for some colleges

Prove your expertise in one subject

You can take up to 3 subject tests on one test day.

Bonus notes:

SAT and SAT subject tests are offered at CAJ.

Once each in October, November, December, January, May, and June.

Register at: www.collegeboard.com

Costs: SAT $49 (¥3800); Subject $33+ (¥2600)

Finish testing AT LEAST one month before your college application deadline.

What is the ACT (American College Testing)?

Another standardized test accepted at most colleges with English instruction.

ACT (with writing) is only offered in October, December, and April.

More info and registration at: www.act.org

Cost: $34 (¥2700) for the basic test

ACT

Bonus: SAT vs. ACTSAT ACT

Test subjects

Critical Reading, Math, Writing

English, Math, Reading, Science, opt. Writing

Wrong answers 1/4 point off No penalty

EssayFirst section Opt. final section

Abstract topic Topic of importance to high school students

Location At CAJ Not at CAJCosts $49 (¥3800) $34 (¥2700)

Should You Take the ACT or SAT?:

http://www.kaptest.com

What is the TOEFL?

Definition: A test of English proficiency

Sections: Tests reading, writing, speaking, and listening

Who needs to take it?

First/primary language is not English

Register at: www.ets.org/toefl

Cost: $200 (¥15,000)

TOEFL

a. Naviance: Method Test Prep 2.0 (Free!)

b. Internet resources on GO website (Free!)

c. SAT study books

d. SAT prep day

e. PSAT

SAT/ACT Test Preparation

Questions?

Please come talk to Caitlin Potter in the Guidance Office!

8:30 - 2:00 (1st period - end of high school lunch)Any time: available by appointment

Announcements

College Visits: community bulletinSAT study day: January 20TCK seminar: February 6 - 9American Colleges Informational Seminar: April 20