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LESSON: 3
THEME: IMPROVING ACADEMICALLY
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LESSON GO ALS:
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Help students reflect on their classes this year and on assessments they’ve taken.
Help students develop an Academic Goal (leads to Annual Goals).
ESSENTI AL QUESTIONS:
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How am I doing?
How can I do better?
MATERI ALS NEEDED:
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Academic Goal Worksheet (one copy for each student)
Each Student’s Grade/Progress Report
Each Student’s Student Learning Plan
Study Skills Tips Handout (one copy for each student)
Introduction to Postsecondary Assessments (one copy for each student to take home & share with family)
School Resources Handout (one copy for each student) *Note: This is a building-specific document that
will be distributed by your Nav 101 Coordinator.
CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES:
1. Discuss how classes are going. Your students are now in their second year of high school. How are they
doing? Are they keeping up? How is life different this year? Make sure students remember how to use any
on-line or paper-based grade tracking system your district offers. Make a note of students who are struggling,
as you may wish to refer them for more help
2. Introduce postsecondary assessments for this year and beyond. Your students spent time last year
developing a Four-Year Plan for the courses they should take based on their career and educational interests.
No matter what their plan, they will need to take a number of assessments this year and during their junior
and senior years. Distribute the Introduction to Postsecondary Assessments handout. Review it briefly,
focusing on the exams students should take this year, including the PSAT and/or PLAN in the fall. Make
sure students understand the need for these assessments.
3. Have students develop Academic Goals. Distribute the Academic Goal Worksheet. Ask students to
complete the goal statement with one goal for 10th grade. Let them know that these goals should be based on
how they are doing so far this year. These goals are meant to help them have a successful first year in high
school. Have students put these in their portfolios behind the Resources tab for use in a future lesson.
STUDENT PRODUCTS:
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Academic Goal. Each student should develop an academic goal.
TM
Navigation 101 is sponsored by the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
For more information, please visit our web site at www.k12.wa.us/navigation101
Rev 4/09
ACADEMIC GOAL WORKSHEET – GR 10
Name: ________________________ Grade: _________
Ad v i s o r : _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
TM
WH AT DO YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE THIS YE AR?
You’re new to high school, and you’re probably finding your courses challenging. How are you doing? What do you
want to achieve this year?
You’ve had the opportunity to review your grades so far this year, as well as test scores. Based on that information,
think of your biggest academic goal for this year. Do you want to…
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Get a certain GPA
Pass all your classes?
Do all your homework?
Prepare to qualify for a CTE course next year?
Do well enough to qualify for an honors or AP class next year?
Learn another language?
What do you want to do? Please write at least one goal below for your academic achievements this year.
Remember that your goal should be “SMART,” that is:
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Specific rather than general (Such as: “I want to get a 3.0 GPA this year”).
Measurable by what you will do during the year (by grades or test scores, for instance).
Achievable or realistic for 10th grade.
Relevant so that it is aligned with your short- and long-term plans.
Time-oriented and able to be finished by the end of the school year.
AC ADEMIC GO AL:
TM
Navigation 101 is sponsored by the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
For more information, please visit our web site at www.k12.wa.us/navigation101
Rev 4/09
Study Skills and Time Management Tips
Does it seem like there's never enough time in the day to get everything done? Feel like you're always
running late? Here are some tips for taking control of your time and organizing your life.
1. Take advantage of the resources that are available to you.
 Seek help from individual teachers before or after school
 Identify student/s in each class with whom you can study, work, and review (exchange phone
numbers and email addresses)
 Access after school Study Help Sessions where there is tutorial support
 Seek help from family members
 Access the Media Center before and after school for internet, computer, and other resources
 Seek help from grade level counselors and career guidance specialist
2. Make a "To Do" List Every Day.
Put things that are most important at the top and do them first. If it's easier, use a planner to track all of your
tasks. And don't forget to reward yourself for your accomplishments.
3. Use Spare Minutes Wisely.
Get some reading done while you’re waiting to be picked up from school, or on the bus ride home.
4. It's Okay to Say "No."
If your friends ask you to go out or your boss asks you to work on a Thursday night and you have an exam
the next morning, realize that it's okay to say no. Keep your short- and long-term priorities in mind.
5. Find the Right Time.
You'll work more efficiently if you figure out when you do your best work. For example, if your brain
handles math better in the afternoon, don't wait to do it until late at night.
6. Review Your Notes Every Day.
You'll reinforce what you've learned, so you need less time to study. You'll also be ready if your teacher
calls on you or gives a pop quiz.
7. Get a Good Night's Sleep.
Running on empty makes the day seem longer and your tasks seem more difficult.
8. Communicate Your Schedule to Others.
If phone calls, texts, or the internet are proving to be distractions, tell your friends that you are only
available at certain times. It may sound silly, but it helps.
9. Budget Your Time.
Figure out how much free time you have each week. Give yourself a time budget and plan your activities
accordingly.
10. Take Action.
Have you ever wasted an entire evening by worrying about something that you're supposed to be doing?
Was it worth it? Instead of agonizing and procrastinating, just do it.
11. Keep Things in Perspective.
Setting goals that are unrealistic sets you up for failure. While it's good to set high goals for yourself, be
sure not to overdo it. Set goals that are difficult yet reachable.
Adapted from: http://www.collegeboard.com
POSTSECONDARY ASSESSMENTS
No matter what you want to do with your future, you’re going to have to take at least one assessment test (and
likely many more than one!) during the next several years. Here’s a list of the major assessment exams you’ll be
taking between now and graduation.
TO GRADU ATE FROM HIGH SCHOOL
All Washington state high school students must show they have key reading and writing skills by graduation. Most
students will meet this requirement by passing a state exam; the High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE), formerly
known as the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL). Some students with strong skills, however, may need
to use an alternative assessment to demonstrate their skills. For these students, state-approved alternatives are available,
called Certificate of Academic Achievement (CAA) Options.
These options include:
Collection of Evidence: Students compile a set of classroom work samples with the help of a teacher. Collections for
students in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs can include work from their CTE program and other
classes.
HSPE/Grades Comparison: A student’s grades in English courses and/or math courses are compared with the grades
of students who took the same courses AND passed the WASL/HSPE. This option is available to students in their
12th grade year.
Advanced Placement and College Admission Test Scores: Students may use their scores on the SAT reading and
math reasoning tests, ACT reading and math tests, and specified Advanced Placement examinations to show they
have key skills.
TO BEGIN AN APPRENTICESHIP
Apprenticeship Program Standards
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Many apprenticeships will require that you meet certain basic academic standards or test scores.
Some apprenticeships have additional standards that you must meet to secure an apprenticeship.
For more information: www.lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/Apprenticeship/Programs/Standards.
TO JOIN THE MILITARY
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
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The ASVAB was developed by the Department of Defense to assess new recruits’ abilities and help place them in
positions. It is the most widely used assessment test in the world.
The ASVAB includes eight test areas: General Science, Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph
Comprehension, Mathematics Knowledge, Electronics Information, Auto and Shop Information, and Mechanical
Comprehension.
Students typically take the ASVAB in their junior or senior year.
For more information: www.asvabprogram.com.
Air Force ROTC – Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT)
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Students who decide to attend a four-year college may join the Army, Navy, or Air Force Reserve Officer
Training Corps (ROTC) to train to become a military officer after college graduation. ROTC program availability
varies by college and will provide a full or partial scholarship to college in return for a certain number of years of
military service after college.
The Army and Navy ROTC require certain score levels on the SAT and/or ACT.
The Air Force ROTC requires the AFOQT to measure student aptitudes and select students into specific training
programs such as pilot or navigator training.
For more information: www.afrotc.com/admissions/qualifyingTest.php.
POSTSECONDARY ASSESSMENTS cont’d
TO ATTEND A COMMUNITY OR TECHNICAL COLLEGE
ASSET Placement Exam
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The ASSET program is a series of short placement tests developed by ACT. The tests assess your abilities and
will help your college determine where to place you.
ASSET has three tests of basic skills in writing, reading, and numerical reasoning, plus more advanced tests in
Algebra and Geometry. You can also complete the Educational Planning Form, to give your college more
information about your educational needs and goals.
Many high schools have students take the ASSET test during junior year to determine what courses they should
take to prepare for college.
For more information: www.act.org/asset.
COMPASS Exam
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The COMPASS System, developed by ACT, helps your college determine where to place you.
COMPASS includes up to seven possible scores in three areas: one each in Writing Skills and Reading and up to
five in Mathematics (Pre-Algebra, Algebra, College Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry).
COMPASS also includes the ACT ESL Placement Test.
For more information: www.act.org/compass.
ACCUPLACER Exam
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The ACCUPLACER, developed by the College Board, also helps colleges place you in classes.
ACCUPLACER provides placement tests in English, math, and ESL.
The test includes multiple choice and essay questions.
Because the test is given on-line, the questions “adapt” to your skill level.
For more information: www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/accuplacer.
TO ATTEND A FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE
Preliminary SAT (PSAT)
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Students take the PSAT to prepare for the SAT and to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s
scholarship programs.
Students typically take the PSAT in the fall of junior year; many practice in sophomore year.
The PSAT tests on critical reading skills, math program-solving skills, and writing skills.
For more information: www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.html.
PLAN
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Students take the PLAN to prepare for the ACT.
The exam covers English, math, reading and science.
Students generally take the PLAN during sophomore year.
For more information: www.act.org/plan.
SAT Reasoning Test
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The SAT is a widely used admissions test for colleges and universities. It measures critical thinking, mathematical
reasoning, and writing skills.
Many students take the SAT twice: in junior year to practice, and then in the fall of senior year.
The SAT is offered several times each year; check with your school counselor for times.
For more information: www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/about.html.
SAT Subject Tests
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SAT Subject Tests are offered in many different subjects, including English, History, Mathematics, Science
(Biology, Chemistry, and Physics), and Languages (Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Hebrew, Italian,
POSTSECONDARY ASSESSMENTS cont’d
TO ATTEND A FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE CONT’D
SAT Subject Tests (Cont’d)
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Latin, Korean, Japanese).
Colleges use the Subject Tests for admission or for placement after you’re admitted.
Most students take the Subject Tests late in junior year or early in senior year.
For more information: www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/about/SATII.html.
ACT
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The ACT is another widely used college admission exam. It assesses students’ knowledge in English,
mathematics, reading, and science. The ACT also offers an optional Writing Test.
Students may take the ACT as an alternative to the SAT – or may take both tests.
Students usually take the ACT late in junior year or early in senior year.
For more information: www.actstudent.org/index.html.
Advanced Placement Exams (AP)
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Students who have taken Advanced Placement (AP) classes in high school can take the AP class in that
subject. Scoring well can result in college placement and credit.
The College Board offers 37 different AP tests in 22 subject areas.
Students usually take the AP test at the end of the year in which they’ve taken an AP course; interested students
should tell their AP teacher by March of that year.
For more information: www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html.
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
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CLEP exams can help you earn college credit for work you’ve completed during high school or on the job.
CLEP exams are available in the following categories (with many sub-categories available in each): Composition
and Literature; Foreign Languages; History and Social Sciences: Science and Mathematics; and Business. Each
exam is 90 minutes long.
For more information: www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/about.html.