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.
ACT
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
Bonus: SAT vs. ACT
SAT
ACT
Test subjects
Critical Reading, Math,
Writing
English, Math, Reading,
Science, opt. Writing
Wrong answers
1/4 point off
No penalty
First section
Opt. final section
Abstract topic
Topic of importance to high
school students
At CAJ
Not at CAJ
Essay
Location
Costs
$49 (¥3800)
$34 (¥2700)
Should You Take the ACT or SAT?: http://www.kaptest.com
TOEFL
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)
SAT/ACT Test
Preparation
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
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 bulletin
SAT study day: January 20
TCK seminar: February 6 - 9
American Colleges Informational Seminar: April 20