Hi OHS Students, Families and Staff,
Throughout the fall months, I have been sharing ways in which the
OHS team is committed to our purpose of ensuring all students are career and
college ready. During the first half of the school year, we have taken steps to
improve attendance, increase workplace learning opportunities, and highlight
our community commitments focused on developing employability skills. Today, I
would like to introduce ways in which we can work together to support
post-secondary learning opportunities and focus on ways in which we can help
our Raccoons succeed on the ACT exam.
The ACT exam is typically used by colleges to determine a student’s
readiness for college-level work. Each exam assesses for understanding in English,
Reading, Math, and Science. Students may also choose to add Writing. There is a
misconception that this exam is only important for students who plan to attend
traditional 4-year universities, but in reality, it is also used to by
technical colleges.
In the state of Wisconsin, all juniors take the ACT exam on
Wednesday, February 20th. While students may pay to take the exam multiple
times, all juniors will take the exam on this day free of charge. The exam is
important and we offer many resources to help our students prepare. Regardless
of current grade level, I would encourage you to consider one of the following
resources to help students prepare for this important exam.
- Preparing for the ACT Overview Packet:
This packet provides a general overview of the exam. This includes
reviewing the assessed topics, time restraints, and sample questions.
- ACT
Practice Exam and Tips by Subject: The ACT offers resources available by
subject area. Each subject area is linked to the resource:
- Test Prep from Student Services: This link to the OHS Student
Services Page offers resources for test prep programs. These programs
typically have a cost, but are targeted learning opportunities that take
place in the evenings.
- ACT Practice Opportunities and Test Questions:
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction offers several practice
tests and sample items.
While a student will never be defined by a single test score, it
is important to recognize that the ACT can launch our students into programs
and pathways to pursue their passions and career interests. We have
introduced our students to many of these resources during Pride and in class
meetings, so please have a conversation as a family to consider taking
advantage of these learning opportunities. It’s never too early to start
preparing!
Finally, I want to wish everyone a relaxing and fun winter break! No matter what your family traditions are, I hope you get to enjoy some extra time together. Please note the last day of school before break is Friday, December 21, and classes resume on Wednesday, January 2. Enjoy your well deserved time off!
Jason