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Questions |
(EXPLORE®) |
(PLAN®) |
| What districts in Oakland County currently use these tests? |
For 05-06 all districts have said they will use EXPLORE to assess their students. |
For 05-06 all districts have said they will use PLAN to assess all of their students |
| What is measured on these tests? |
Academic achievement for English, math, reading and science as well as a needs assessment (students' perceived academic needs) and an interest inventory |
Academic achievement for English, math, reading and science as well as a needs assessment (students' perceived academic needs) and high school course information |
| What standards are these tests aligned to? |
These are nationally normed test and written to the ACT benchmarks. The benchmarks can be found on ACT.org |
These are nationally normed test and written to the ACT benchmarks. The benchmarks can be found on ACT.org |
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What types of data are reported for each test?
Note: For an additional cost, there are multiple supplemental reports that can be ordered for a school, grade level, district, county, etc. |
Standard student report includes:
- Raw test scores
- Composite
- National rank
- Areas in which additional help are requested
- High school course plans
- Rreported future plans (career area preferred, post- secondary plan, world of work map)
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Standard student report includes:
- Knowledge and skill areas
- National norms
- Estimated ACT assessment score range
- Educational Plans
- Areas requesting help
- Career area preferred
- Item responses w/ correct answers and counseling information (interest stanines and % L-I-D)
The report also includes:
- A school summary report which aggregates data on student performance in each of the covered content areas, educational plans and self-reported needs (this information can be helpful in determining which programs are being focused on and services need by students)
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What purpose(s) does the data serve? For example:
- Does one predict performance on ACT?
- Does one or both predict performance in classrooms?
- Does one or both predict performance on MEAP?
- Does one or both predict any achievement?
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The EXPLORE and PLAN college readiness benchmark scores are based on the ACT benchmarks. They reflect the student’s expected growth from EXPLORE to PLAN to the ACT and assume sustained academic effort throughout high school.
They do not predict performance on MEAP directly but the Michigan Department of Education has awarded ACT the Michigan Merit Exam contract. Thus, ACT will be the college entrance test used in the state-testing program.
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(Same as EXPLORE®)
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| What are the other benefits not mentioned above? |
The information in the report is organized to assist districts/schools in addressing certain issues that are common among schools. The information presented may assist you in drawing conclusions and making decisions about programs, policies or educational practices in your school. |
(Same as EXPLORE®) |
| What calendar time frame exists for implementation? |
Explore is normed for either fall or spring and can be given at any time. If you choose not to use EXPLORE® this year you may still use it next year - you are not “locked” out. |
PLAN is normed for September – December. It can be given at any time through the year, however students will not see how they compare with national scores or receive a predicted ACT score. If you choose not to use PLAN® this year you may still use it next year - you are not “locked” out.
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| What conditions exist for the “free” offer provided to us by Oakland Schools? (All students must test at each grade level, districts or schools must participate in field study.) |
Oakland Schools is offering PLAN and EXPLORE through the Vocational Millage Funding. There is no requirement but we do encourage districts to utilize this opportunity as part of their career development plan. We will receive a district level report of the aggregated information from all participating schools . |
(Same as EXPLORE®) |
| What materials are necessary for each? |
Reusable testing books and answer sheets - guides will come with each set |
Testing booklets and answer sheets. |
| What costs are covered by Oakland Schools? |
Oakland Schools is covering the cost of the re-useable testing booklets, answer sheets (w/o folders) and pre-gridding (including set-up fee) and standard reports |
Oakland Schools is covering the cost of scoring and labeling (including set-up fee). There is no cost for materials.
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| What additional costs are incurred by the participating district? |
The only additional cost to a district is if they choose to order additional reports or other materials that are not necessary to administer the assessment. |
The only additional cost to a district is if they choose to order additional reports or other materials that are not necessary to administer the assessment. |
| What training is necessary to implement? |
There is no training required. |
(Same as EXPLORE®) |
| What training is necessary to interpret reports? |
There are trainings offered (not required) for interpretation and for administrators to utilize report information. |
(Same as EXPLORE®) |