|
Students need to prepare themselves academically and should pursue every opportunity to take tests and assessments to help them determine their career interests, skills and critical thinking abilities. The self-awareness gained from these opportunities will positively impact their future. The following lists a number of opportunities that are available:
ACT
The ACT assesses the skills that enable a student to be successful at the college level. Students who intend to apply to a college or university in Wisconsin must take the ACT or SAT-I (The ACT is preferred by Wisconsin colleges and universities). Typically the student would take the assessment in April or June of their junior year, and it is highly recommended to take the ACT at least two or three times to achieve the best results for college entry.
*All junior students are mandated by the state to complete the ACT. Students at BDHS will complete the test in late winter.* This test is at no cost to the student.
ACT Test Prep opportunities are available throughout the year. More information can be obtained in the HIgh School Student Services Office.
ACT Aspire
The ACT Aspire is an electronically administered comprehensive assessment series that will be given to students in grades 3-10. The series of assessments will connect student performance from elementary through high school grades by providing longitudinal data. The results of the ACT Aspire will efficiently and affordably provide timely, accurate and useful information to help teachers and parents prepare students for 21st century demands. All freshman and sophomore students are mandated by the state to complete this test. This free test will be given during the school year at BDHS in late April or early May.
ASVAB
The ASVAB Test (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) measures those abilities that students have already learned or acquired. It also determines aptitude or readiness to become proficient in a skill if given the opportunity. The ASVAB Test is appropriate for any junior, whether they are considering working or pursuing more schooling after graduation. It is especially recommended for students who (1) plan to enter the military service after high school, (2) plan to go to a two-year college, or (3) are going directly into the labor force after high school. This free test will be given in November at BDHS.
PSAT/NMSQT
The PSAT is a shortened version of the SAT-I, and when taken during the junior year, is the only method of entry into the highly competitive National Merit Scholarship competition. This test will also give students information about their progress in developing skills for college success. A sophomore can take this test as practice, but it is the junior test result that is used for National Merit consideration. (This test is not given at BDHS).
SAT
The Scholastic Aptitude Test, like the ACT, is used as a "college entrance exam." It measures the knowledge and abilities important for success in college.
Wisconsin Forward Exam
The Wisconsin Forward exam was implemented in spring 2016. The custom assessment will be administered in English Language Arts and mathematics in grades 3 through 8, in science in grades 4 and 8, and in social studies in grades 4, 8, and 10. All sophomore students are mandated by the state to complete this test (in the area of social studies). They will take the Forward exam during the school day in the spring.
| 