PLANO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
Counseling and Guidance – Grades 9 - 12
“College Readiness”
Presented by Jane Clanahan, Shepton Counselor and 9-10 Cluster Leader
Jennifer McConaughy, Plano East Senior High School Counselor
The Plano ISD Secondary Counselors are committed to preparing all students for post secondary
education. The counselor, as the academic leader, is responsible for the comprehensive student
preparation using the vertical team approach for college readiness. Working closely with the family,
counselors monitor students about their choice of academic plans – additional academic conferences are
held in the 10th and 11th grades. To achieve this, parent meetings, classroom presentations, orientation
days, and academic conferences are offered to assure that all students meet their individual goals.
Honors Courses – These courses have specific entry criteria for highly motivated students. An honors
curriculum includes a wider range and greater depth of subject matter than that of the regular course.
Emphasis is placed on higher level and critical thinking skills, on creative, productive thinking and on
independent guided research.
Advanced Placement – Plano ISD offers 31 AP courses at high schools and senior highs. The program
allows students to complete college-level studies while still in high school. Courses must meet rigorous
criteria and teachers have received additional training. Students taking AP courses are encouraged to take
the appropriate AP exams. Students may receive college placement and credit based on their examination
score. The College Board indicates that AP high school courses help students qualify for scholarships,
improve skills necessary for college level work, and effectively compete in the college admissions
process. AP participation promotes college readiness both in academics and maturity. In 2012 Plano ISD
gave 2898 AP exams to 2492 students at the high school level and 71% scored a 3, 4, or 5. At the senior
highs, 8610 exams were given to 3156 and 79% scored a 3, 4, or 5.
International Baccalaureate – The IB program is offered at Plano East Senior High School and is a
rigorous course of study designed to meet the needs of highly motivated secondary students and to
promote international understanding. Students are carefully screened for academic potential and
admission into the program. The IB Program requires each student to take courses in six academic areas.
To qualify for the International Baccalaureate Diploma, students must take examinations in six subject
areas, participate in the Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) program, and write an extended essay
during the 11th and 12th grade years. In 2012 there were 98 full diploma candidates and 77 International
Baccalaureate Diplomas were awarded. 665 exams were given and 567 were passed.
Dual Enrollment – In partnership with Collin College, juniors and seniors may take dual enrollment
courses and earn both high school and college credit for US History, English 4, Government, and
Economics. Courses are taught on senior high campuses by Collin College professors.
Explore – A career exploration program for 8th graders from ACT – students take four 30 minute multiple
choice tests – English, Math, Science, and Reading. The student report gives information on knowledge,
skills, interests, and plans.
PLAN –This assessment helps 10th grade students measure their current academic development, explore
career/training options, and make plans for the remaining years of high school and post-graduation years.
Students take 20 – 30 minute tests in English, Math, Science, and Reading.
2012 December Key Communicator sec.doc
PSAT – Tests taken in the sophomore and junior year. Junior year results determine National Merit
Semi-Finalists. The test measures critical reading skills, math problem solving skills, and writing skills.
The test consists of two 25 minute critical reading sections, two 25 minute math sections, and one 30
minute writing section.
ACT – a 3 hour and 15 minutes test consisting of five subtests: English (English usage), Math (based on
Algebra I, II, Geometry, and Trigonometry), Reading, Science Reasoning (a science-based reasoning
test), and Writing. The subtests measure ability to perform typical intellectual tasks asked of college
students and is designed to measure intellectual skill and abilities, not specific content. ACT scores range
from 1-36 with the composite score being the average of all five subtests.
Scores 2012:
District
State
National
English
Math
Reading
24.7
19.6
20.5
26.6
21.4
21.1
Science
25.6
20.8
21.3
Composite
25.1
25.6
20.8
20.8
20.9
21.1
SAT – The SAT Reasoning Test is divided into three subtests: Critical Reading, Math and Writing. Each
subtest is scored between 200 and 800 with a perfect score being 2400. The SAT is 3 hours and 35
minutes in length. Writing: Students are asked to write an essay that requires them to take a position on
an issue and use examples to support their position. Multiple-choice questions are also included to see
how well students use standard written English. Math: The math section includes Algebra II topics, such
as exponential growth, absolute value, and functional notation, and places greater emphasis on other
topics such as linear functions, manipulations with exponents, and properties of tangent lines. Critical
Reading: The critical reading section includes short reading passages along with long reading passages.
Scores 2012:
District
State
National
Critical Reading Math
547
470
491
Writing
586
496
505
532
456
481
National Merit Semi-Finalists and Finalists – The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic
competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. Students qualify for entry based on
scores earned in the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
Finalists are determined by high academic performance and SAT scores.
Semi-Finalists
2011
2012
2013
Finalists
89
96
128
77
92
Announced in February
Support and Education – Plano ISD hosts two college nights, holds financial planning seminars, and
offers college admission process presentations. Families have several opportunities to participate in
parent education classes as well as learning about academic planning. Counselors assist students with the
college admission process including applications, scholarship information, and letters or recommendation.
2012 December Key Communicator sec.doc