High School Guide and Course Catalog

Transcription

1 High School Guide and Course Catalog WASC Accredited Independent Study/Personalized Learning Concurrent College Enrollment College Readiness Online Courses Extensive Vendor Options

2 New Day Academy High School Guide and Course Catalog Table of Contents Welcome to New Day Academy.... High School General Information.. Graduation Requirements Information General Educational Path of Study.. College Prep Path of Study UC/CSU a-g Course Information. Graduation Requirements Chart Sample General Education Graduation Plan. Sample College Prep Education Graduation Plan.. Semester Credits Maximum and Minimum Credit Semester Exceptions. Grading and Credits in High School High School Transcripts.. Academic Honesty.. Concurrent Enrollment in Community College Courses. General Information.. Student Eligibility.. Enrollment Procedures. College and Career Readiness Program.. College and Career Course Requirement.. Earning Credit for Career Exploration.. Employment in the Community.. Work Permits Internships. Job Shadowing and Volunteer Opportunities Career Education and Career Technical Education Courses. New Day Academy High School Assessment Information. California High School Exit Exam.. CST Life Science Test. CAASSP (Smarter Balanced). Early Academic Placement (EAP) Assessment.. Physical Fitness Test.. i-ready Assessment SAT, PSAT, and ACT College Admission Exams. New Day Academy Course Catalog. English History Mathematics. Science (Physical Sciences).. Science (Life Sciences).. Languages Other Than English. Visual and Performing Arts.. Physical Education. Health. Technology/Vocational/Life Skills.. Career Education and Career Technical Education Electives

3 Welcome to New Day Academy (NDA), and thank you for taking the time to read our High School Guide and Course Catalog. This guide and catalog will assist you in understanding essential information for your high school experience. NDA is an Independent Study Personalized Learning program. NDA is a Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredited California public high school committed to providing an exceptional program of study. Per Independent Study Educational Code, our Independent Study program provides academic high school instruction to students located in Modoc, Lassen, Plumas, and Shasta Counties. We offer opportunities for students to develop skills, broaden their knowledge, and build the foundation for future educational, career, and life decisions. Our hope is that you will become a life-long learner who continues to strive for high personal and academic standards. This High School Guide is written to help you understand NDA s program options and course requirements for graduation. NDA is committed to meeting California academic content standard for curriculum and instruction, while providing those elements in a flexible, individualized learning model. Use this guide along with your teacher and/or counselor to plan for yourself a successful personalized high school learning experience. The first part of this guide focuses on general information on graduation requirements, options for courses of study, program descriptions, and important policies and procedures. The NDA High School Course Catalog section outlines the courses offered in each subject area with a brief course description and curriculum options. Your questions, comments and suggestions are always welcome. Please feel free to call the school office ( ) or talk to your teacher about the information in this guide or other matters concerning your education with New Day Academy. Sincerely, NDA Executive Director

4 Mission Statement New Day Academy s mission is to provide an innovative personalized learning program that honors parental choice. We support our students with a wealth of educational resources, a commitment to excellence, and a desire to nurture the unique nature of every child. Educational Vision New Day Academy staff believes that each student should be supported with the appropriate resources to realize their full potential. We operate on the understanding that: Strong core competency skills are critical to successful lifelong learning. All students have different learning styles, abilities, and background experiences. As important as what a student learns is how a student learns. Parents, supported by trained educators with effective, standards-based curriculum, are capable of providing an excellent education to their children. Developing an educational plan tailored to meet a student s learning style, abilities, strengths, and areas of need allows them to flourish. Students need to become self-motivated, organized, lifelong learners, able to use different sources of informational and complete tasks. Powerful teacher-student relationships are a motivating factor toward success. Opportunities for distance learning and online education are encouraged and supported to move students into the age of technology. Beyond core courses, providing a variety of elective course options allows students to find their individual path and life goals.

5 High School Guidelines and General Information NDA offers an exemplary high school program that includes: general education courses, college preparatory courses, credit recovery, concurrent enrollment with community colleges, online course options, a wide array of curriculum choices to meet student interests and needs, a college and career preparation program, and the assistance of a High School Academic Counselor and a High School Coordinator. Graduation Requirements: In order to earn a NDA high school diploma, students must successfully complete 230 high school credits in designated areas, as well as satisfy the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) requirement. Students have the opportunity to choose a plan of study according to their educational and post high school goals. There are two general paths of study as outlined below: General Education Path of Study General Education courses provide students with a basic level of academic rigor for core courses. These courses meet the California Content Standards for all subjects and meet NDA s high school graduation requirements. However, general courses do not satisfy admission requirements for either the California State University (CSU) system or the University of California (UC) system for acceptance directly after high school. Student following this educational path generally enter a community college, trade or vocational school, or transition into the work force after graduating high school. College Prep Path of Study Students who plan on attending a 4-year College directly after high school must complete a rigorous college prep course of study. Completion of these rigorous courses with a C or better develops a level of proficiency and therefore make the student eligible to enter the California State University system or the University of California system upon graduating high school. The University of California requires schools to submit course descriptions in designated areas. These courses fulfill what is called a-g requirements. NDA has approved a-g courses in each designated subject area. Therefore, to be eligible for the CSU or UC system, you must complete, with a C or higher a pattern of UC/CSU NDA approved courses totaling 150 credits. 110 of these must be completed before senior year.

6 The a-g courses must be academically challenging, involving substantial reading, writing, problems and laboratory work (as appropriate), and show serious attention to analytical thinking, factual content and developing students' oral and listening skills. The purpose of the a-g subject area requirements are to ensure that entering students: Can participate fully in the first year program at the University in a broad variety of fields of study Have attained the necessary preparation for courses, majors and programs offered at the University Have attained a body of knowledge that will provide breadth and perspective to more advanced studies Have attained essential critical thinking and study skills Subject Area Requirements: History/social science ( a ) Two years, including one year of world history, cultures and historical geography and one year of U.S. history, or one-half year of U.S. history and one-half year of American government or civics. English ( b ) Four years of college preparatory English that integrates reading of classic and modern literature, frequent and regular writing, and practice listening and speaking. Mathematics ( c ) Three years of college-preparatory mathematics that include or integrate the topics covered in elementary and advanced algebra and two- and three-dimensional geometry. Laboratory science ( d ) Two years of laboratory science providing fundamental knowledge in at least two of the three disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Language other than English ( e ) Two years of the same language other than English or equivalent to the second level of high school instruction. Visual and performing arts ( f ) One year chosen from dance, music, theater or the visual arts. College-preparatory elective ( g ) One year chosen from the a-f courses beyond those used to satisfy the requirements above, or courses that have been approved solely in the elective area. Source:

7 The following chart outlines NDA course requirements for General Ed and College Prep: General Requirements College Prep Requirements Subject Course Credit Credit Checklist Course Checklist English 4 Years 40 Credits 4 Years 40 Credits English I (10) English I (10) English II (10) English II (10) English III (10) English III (10) English IV (10) English IV (10) Mathematics 3 Years 30 Credits 3 Years 30 Credits Basic Math (10) Algebra I (10) In order to earn a Pre-Algebra (10) Algebra II (10) high school diploma, Basic Algebra I (10) Geometry (10) all high school Algebra I (10) Trigonometry (10) students must pass an Algebra 1 course Algebra IA/IB (10) Calculus (10) or higher. Geometry (10) Integrated Math I (10) Integrated Math I (10) Integrated Math II (10) Integrated Math II (10) Integrated Math III (10) Integrated Math III (10) Integrated Math IV (10) Integrated Math IV (10) History/ Social Studies 3 Years-30 Credits 3 Years-30 Credits World History (10) World History (10) US History (10) US History (10) US Government (5) US Government (5) Economics (5) Economics (5) Science 2 years 20 Credits 2 years-20 Credits Earth or Phys. (10) Biology (10) Life (10) Chemistry (10) Physics (10) Humanities 2 years 20 Credits 2-3 years Credits Foreign Language Foreign Language (20) &/or VAPA VAPA (10) Physical 2 years - 20 Credits 2 years 20 credits Education P.E. (20) P.E. (20) Health Health (2.5) Health (2.5) College/Career College/Career (5) College/Career (5) Readiness Technology/Life & Voc. Skills 1 year 10 Credits 1 year 10 Credits Electives 52.5 Credits 42.5 or Fewer Credits A TOTAL of 230 credits are required for graduation. Students enrolled in 9-11 grade must be enrolled in at least 30 credits per semester. Seniors must carry at least 20 credits per semester.

8 High School Planning It is important to know that NDA provides guidance and support to every student throughout their high school journey. Each year our Academic Counselor, High School Coordinator, and your NDA teacher will assist you and your high school student in deciding on a path of study and develop a graduation plan a roadmap of the courses to take and when they should be taken. Your post high school goals and plans will guide your decisions. NDA recognizes that each student is unique and with the guidance of their academic team a successful plan of study will be developed. It is important to remember that in addition to graduation course requirements for both educational paths; all students will be given the opportunity to extend their learning through their own creativity and exploration. The following chats are samples of grade level plans for students on the general ed track and students following the UC/CSU criteria:

9 Sample General Education Track for students planning to attend a community college, a vocational training program or the workforce: Minimum of 230 credits to graduate Students my want to consider electives that would prepare them for their postsecondary goals 9 th 10 th 11 th 12th English 9 English 10 English 11 English 12 Pre- Algebra or Basic Algebra 1 Basic Algebra 1 or Geometry or Integrated Math 1 Geometry or Integrated Math 2 or Consumer/Business Math Elective Health/Driver s Education/Elective World History US History Civics/Economics Earth or Physical Science Life Science or Biology Elective Elective Physical Education Physical Education Elective Elective Fine Art or Foreign Language Fine Art or Foreign Language Fine Art or Elective Fine Art or Elective College and Career Readiness/ Internship or Technology/Vocational/Life Skills College and Career Readiness/ Internship or Technology/Vocational/Life Skills Elective Elective

10 Sample College Prep Plan for students planning to attend a four year college: Minimum of 230 credits to graduate Rigorous UC/CSU approved a-g courses* Only one elective is required for a-g, however any a-g elective makes a student competitive for university admission* Students may want to consider electives that would prepare them for their posthigh school goals 9 th 10 th 11 th 12th English 9* English 10* English 11* English 12* Integrated Math 1* or Algebra 1* or Geometry* Integrated Math 2*or Geometry* or Algebra 2* Integrated Math 3*or Algebra 2*or Geometry* or Pre-Calculus* Pre-Calculus* or Calculus* or Elective* Health/Driver s Ed/ Elective* World History* US History* Civics*/ Economics* Earth Science* Biology w/lab* Chemistry with lab* Physics with lab* or Elective* Physical Education Physical Education Academic Elective* Academic Elective* Foreign Language* Foreign Language* Foreign Language* or Elective* Foreign Language* or Elective Fine Art* or Elective Fine Art* or Elective* Fine Art* or Elective* Fine Art* or Elective* College and Career Readiness/Internship or Technology/Vocation/Life Skills College and Career Readiness/Internship or Technology/Vocation/Life Skills Elective* Elective*

11 Semester Credits In order to complete 230 credits (required for graduation) in four years of high school, the typical schedule for NDA high school students includes 30 credits or six 5 credit courses per semester. The maximum number of credits allowed per semester without the Executive Director s approval is 45. If a student wishes to take more than 45 credits per semester, determination of appropriateness of acceleration will be made after consultation with NDA s Executive Director, Teacher, and/or Counselor, on the following criteria: Strong grades Grade-level coursework not remedial or for credit recovery A strong indication that the student will be successful with an accelerated schedule Maximum and Minimum Credit Semester Exceptions: CA Ed Code requires that, in order to be a full-time student, high school students must take 30 units/semester with the following exceptions: Seniors (12 th grade) may take 20 credits per semester to fulfill remaining graduation requirements Students participating in concurrent enrollment at the community college may have fewer than 30 credits but must maintain at least 20 credits with NDA each semester High School students must be enrolled for at least one entire semester in order to be allowed to receive a high school diploma Grading and Credits in High School Students earn credits in high school for completing an assigned body of work in a particular course. To earn high school credits, students must spend on average, minutes per course, per school day, to earn a total of 5 credits at the end of a semester. NDA teachers evaluate all high school course work, and issue grades and credits each semester. These grades and credits are finalized on a semester Report Card. Note: If a parent is using parent provided curriculum, teachers must also review all parent evaluated work. This will ensure accuracy of semester final grade and credits issued. The grade at each level represents the degree to which the student has mastered the content and standards being presented. For classes where the grade is quantifiable, the following scale applies: A = % mastery of content presented B = 80-89% mastery of content presented C = 70-79% mastery of content presented D = 60-69% mastery of content presented F = Failure to master at least 60% of the content presented

12 High School Transcripts Our high school students receive credits for a course of study with specific course descriptions. NDA teachers award credit after they assign, evaluate, and report a student s completion of work for each course. As a student completes courses, NDA keeps a record of the courses and records grades and credits earned on a transcript. This transcript is a permanent record of student progress toward completion of high school course requirements, and will be available to colleges and universities to which a student may apply. In addition, if a student transfers to another high school, the transcript will follow. When a high school student transfers to NDA from a previous high school, our staff converts the coursework listed on the previous school s transcript into NDA credits. Academic Honesty NDA students must complete and submit all assignments, tests, and quizzes with honesty and integrity, and complete all assignments on their own. Plagiarism and cheating is not tolerated. Students who do not show academic honesty will be in noncompliance with NDA s Independent Study program and will be dis-enrolled.

13 Concurrent Enrollment in Community College Courses We are very fortunate in California to have a Community College system that allows high school students to take community college courses and earn high school credits and college units at the same time. Credits earned through community college courses may be used to fulfill NDA s high school core and elective course requirements. NDA encourages its students to take advantage of the opportunities the community colleges offer and include these courses in their graduation plan. Community College courses completed by the student are worth 3.3 times the credit toward high school graduation requirements. This is an excellent way for high school students to earn credit. Credits are converted as follows: 1 unit college course = 3 high school credits 2 unit college course = 7 high school credits 3 unit college course = 10 high school credits 4 unit college course = 13 high school credits 5 unit college course = 17 high school credits Concurrent enrollment is possible through any California community college. Many of our high school students attend Shasta College to complete requirements for graduation and include these courses as part of their graduation plans. In addition, all community colleges in California offer concurrent enrollment programs through Distance Learning (online). It is advised that a student contact the college for concurrent enrollment/distance learning information and course information. Available community college/distance learning courses can be searched via the website: Student eligibility for concurrent college education: Student should be in at least ninth grade unless approved by Director. Student must maintain a C average in regular high school courses. Student, parent and NDA teacher agree that a college course is appropriate and student meets the college admission requirements. Courses must be consistent with student learning plan.

14 Students may be initially limited to one (1) college course until successful completion of that first college course with a C or better. After successful completion of the first college course with a C or better student will be approved for up to two (2) college courses per semester. With director approval, it is possible to take up to eleven (11) college credits per semester. A letter must be submitted to the community college signed by the school Director allowing a student to enroll in more than two (2) courses per semester. Concurrent Community College Enrollment Procedures: Student creates an online account with the community college and submits an online application. Parent and student then schedule an appointment to go the college to take the college placement tests. Note: Parents and students can always go to the college admissions office and complete the above process in person. A photo I.D. is required for placement testing. To register for a course, the student must complete a Concurrent Enrollment form and have it signed by the Executive Director. At least 3 business days before registering for a course, the student must take the signed Concurrent Enrollment Form to the college admission/registrar s office. (Registration dates vary from year to year and vary according to grade level of the student). A high school student taking college courses only has to pay campus fees and if the course requires, a materials fee. NDA will pay for or rent student college course textbooks. Once registered for a course, inform your NDA teacher of the course name, section number, unit value, text book ISBN, cost of book, your student ID number and your contact information. Your teacher will then order your course textbooks. Community College courses that are eligible to transfer to a four year college and are taken to fulfill a NDA high school core course requirement are weighted higher for purposes of NDA s student Grade Point Average (GPA) calculation.

15 High School College and Career Exploration NDA College and Career Readiness Program NDA offers our high school students an opportunity to explore different college and career paths. NDA supports all students as they examine their personal/social, educational, career and life skills. A college and career readiness course (5 credits) is required for graduation from NDA starting with 9 th graders who enrolled in NDA during the school year and subsequent new 9 th graders. (Exempted from this requirement are students who enrolled before the school year and students transferring in as a sophomore, junior or senior). To meet this course requirement, NDA has adopted the Career Choices course. This course guides students to complete a comprehensive plan and portfolio to help chart their path to a career. The Career Choice curriculum is offered to students as a vendor course (no cost to student) or as an independent study course. If a parent would like to provide their own curriculum to meet this graduation requirement, the HS Coordinator and /or the Executive Director must approve. Earning Credit for Career Exploration In addition to NDA s college and career readiness requirement, and to further support students in making college and career decisions, students may also receive credit for: Employment in the community Participating in an Internship or volunteer work Completing additional specific career coursework Employment in the community: Any student under the age of 18 must have a valid work permit in order to work at any time during the school year and/or vacations and holidays. A student is eligible for a work permit by meeting age requirements and meeting the GPA requirement of 2.0 or higher. Work permits are issued, by law, to protect the student. Employers must follow all Child Labor Laws while employing a minor. Earning credits for employment: 5 credits per semester for hours per week of work 10 credits per semester for 20 hours or more per week of work 40 credits maximum allowable for 4 years Students log work hours

16 Students evaluated each semester by their employer or supervisor Work Permit Instructions: Student requests, from their NDA teacher, the form Statement of Intent to Employ a Minor and Request for a Work Permit Student, parent, and employer complete respective sections of the form Work permits require the student s social security number and students must have proof of age on file with NDA When complete, student submits this form to the New Day Academy Administrative office NDA verifies all information, work activities and the nature of the business The student is notified of completion and sent the completed work permit, signed by authorized staff Students will take the completed work permit to the employer and only then the student may begin work Revocation Policy: If a student is withdrawn from New Day Academy, falls below a 2.0 GPA, or leaves the place of employment, his/her work permit will be revoked and the employer will be notified. Please refer to the following chart for specific information regarding work hours allowed:

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18 The following is the Statement of Intent to Employ a Minor and Request for a Work Permit - Certificate of Age (CDE Form B1-1 [DOC]): known as the work permit application. The form is available online as a fill in document.

19 Internships NDA s internship program is designed to give students guidance, support, and credit for the time spent at a work site. In order to receive internship credits, the student must first complete a College and Career Readiness course (5 credits). The student is then eligible to complete 75 hours of successful field experience (5 credits). Note: Students are not paid for internships, or considered an employee and Interns also do not take the place of an employee. An internship is an opportunity for a student to have practical experience in a workplace. Internships expose students to meaningful learning experiences in a career of interest. Students are shown the relevance of what they are learning in high school, are taught what it means to have a job, and helps them in their development of an educational and career plan for the future. This is a wonderful experience for our students to catch a glimpse of what their careers could look like. During an internship, students will: Complete a Career Readiness Course Keep up with all other course work as specified in their Master Agreement Keep an accurate log of time and date of scheduled work hours Keep a reflective weekly log of experiences and lessons learned while performing required duties Meet regularly with teachers and Internship Coordinator to report progress and or any difficulties arising at the internship site Show honesty, punctuality, courtesy, a cooperative attitude, proper health and grooming habits, dress appropriately, and have a willingness to learn Be positive role models and quality representatives of New Day Academy Conform to all the rules and regulations of the site Maintain confidentiality as required by the circumstances of the experience Benefits to students: Explore a career interest in a real world experience Build relationships with adult mentors Learn professional skills, attitudes, and expertise that are necessary in today s workplace Learn skills such as organization, punctuality and time management Understand the importance of education and develop long term goals If a student is interested in participating in an Internship must contact their teacher or NDA s High School Coordinator.

20 Prior to an internship, students can request to job shadow a business for a short period of time to determine whether they would like to be hired, complete an internship, or volunteer their time. NDA s High School Coordinator, along with the student, will coordinate and research job shadow opportunities. NDA also offers a Virtual Job Shadow course. After receiving a user name and password, students may research and virtually visit hundreds of occupations and career industries Volunteer (Service Learning) Many of our NDA students contribute to their communities by volunteering at church, schools, community service organizations, and local community events. Learning the meaning of service, in whatever form, makes our students become contributing members of their communities and positively reinforces their values, skills, and strengths. Students are required to document his/her location, activities performed, and hours. Fifteen hours of service learning earns one high school credit. Students are evaluated each semester by their supervisor. Completing Career Education Courses and/or Career Technical Education Courses Students have the opportunity to enroll in many Career Education courses or Career Technical Education courses. Career courses are offered through different curriculum choices and are either textbook based or online. Community College course are also a way to complete career education courses. These courses allow students to further explore career interests within a variety of industry sectors. Discuss with your NDA teacher your interest in this career exploration course opportunity and refer to our High School Course Catalog for further information on these course offerings.

21 High School Assessments NEW DAY ACADEMY ASSESSMENT: In order to assess all high school students academic level of proficiency in Reading and Mathematics, NDA administers a computer-based i-ready diagnostic assessment. The tests are administered twice a year, once in September to get baseline data, and in March to measure academic growth. New students enrolling during the school year are tested near their enrollment date. i-ready not only assess levels of proficiency, but also provides the student, parent, and teacher with a detailed report on specifics reading and mathematics skills that need improvement. Online lessons target a student s unique needs so that they may master these specific skills. Assessment results may also aid a student s teacher and parent in determining instructional and intervention strategies. MANDATED STATE OF CALIFORNIA ASSESSMENTS: All public California High Schools, including public charter schools, must participate in the California State Testing and reporting program. California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) The primary purpose of the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE) is to ensure that students who graduate from public high schools can demonstrate grade level competency in reading, writing, and mathematics. It has two parts: English language arts (ELA) and mathematics. The first testing opportunity is in the spring of the sophomore year. If a student is not successful passing one or both of the test parts, there are multiple opportunities during the junior and senior years to meet this requirement. It is important to know that all California public school students, except eligible students with disabilities, must satisfy the CAHSEE requirement in order to receive a high school diploma. NDA will inform the dates of administration to all students needing to take the test. All California public schools are required to test on designated days, with no exceptions. Students missing the exam due to illness will be able to make up the test on the next designated test date. Life Science Content Standard Test All 10 th grade students must take a CST Life Science assessment during the spring of their academic year. This paper and pencil test is administered on a state designated day.

22 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) (Smarter Balance) High School 11 th grade students are required to take CAASPP. NDA will inform all students needing to take the test, dates of administration. All California public schools are required to test on designated days, with no exceptions. Students missing the exam due to illness will be able to make up the test on the next designated test dates. The Smarter Balanced Assessment System utilizes computer-adaptive tests and performance tasks that allow students to show what they know and are able to do. This system is based on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics. Smarter Balanced summative assessment results include student scores, achievement levels, and descriptors that describe performance. These assessment results are only one of several tools used to measure a student s academic performance in ELA/Literacy and mathematics. Smarter Balanced assessment results are most appropriately interpreted alongside other available information about a student s academic achievement, including such measures as, classroom assignments and grades, classrooms tests, report cards, and teacher feedback. Early Assessment Program (EAP) The California Department of Education (CDE) collaborates with the California State University (CSU), California Community Colleges (CCC) and the State Board of Education (SBE), to address the number of incoming college students who require remediation in English and/or mathematics. The Early Assessment Program (EAP) is designed to provide students, their families, and high schools with early signals about students readiness for college-level English and mathematics. Effective , the California State University (CSU) and participating California Community Colleges (CCC) will use student results from the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments as a student s EAP status in English and mathematics. Students wishing to inform the CSU and CCC of their EAP status may submit their CAASPP results by marking the release button at the end of the CAASPP exam. Physical Fitness Test The State Board of Education designated the FITNESSGRAM as the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) for students in California public schools. The FITNESSGRAM is a comprehensive, health-related physical fitness test. The primary goal of the FITNESSGRAM is to assist students in establishing lifetime habits of regular physical activity. In the spring of the school s academic year ninth grade high school students must take the Physical Fitness Test. Parents may administer this test to students or they may choose to have NDA administer the test. NDA will inform students of dates of administration.

23 The PFT provides information that can be used by (1) students to assess and plan personal fitness programs; (2) teachers to design the curriculum for physical education programs; and (3) parents and guardians to understand their children s fitness levels. COLLEGE ENTRANCE ASSESSMENTS (SAT, PSAT, ACT) NDA s High School Counselor and High School Coordinator will work with students and their families to help them understand the college admission test options, current preparation opportunities, and registration and test dates. Information and updates are also included in NDA s high school section of the monthly newsletter. NDA encourages all high school students planning to attend a 4-year college to take college entrance exams. Most 4 year-colleges require applicants to take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Testing Exam (ACT) for admission. Many scholarships also require SAT or ACT scores as a part of the application requirements. For this reason, students who are planning to attend a community college or trade/vocational school should consider taking one of these exams. SAT and PSAT The SAT is a globally recognized college admission test that lets you show colleges what you know and how well you can apply that knowledge. It tests your knowledge of reading, writing and math subjects that are taught every day in high school. Most students take the SAT during their junior or senior year of high school, and almost all colleges and universities use the SAT to make admission decisions. Students may practice for the SAT by taking the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT). Students in 10th and 11th grade take the PSAT in October. Sophomores can also take the new PSAT 10 the following spring. The results of the PSAT are sent to the student for review and identify areas of need to study for the SAT. The SAT and PSAT have recently redesigned the exams. Students are encouraged to visit to research all information in regard to the PSAT and the SAT. ACT The ACT is a curriculum and standards-based educational and career planning tool that assesses students academic readiness for college. Like the SAT, the ACT is a nationally administered, standardized test that helps colleges evaluate candidates. Most colleges now accept ACT or SAT scores interchangeably, although it is always recommended to contact a college or university for their admissions requirements. Generally, a student completes the ACT for the first time in the spring of their junior year. This allows the student to reserve the summer months for college applications or enough time to re-take the test during the fall of your senior year if the student is not

24 satisfied with their score. Students are encouraged to visit to research all information in regard to the ACT.