March
UnMazed
Magazine
Teen's Guide to College Testing
ACT SAT PERT TEST PREP AND MORE!
9
C O N T E N T SÂ Teen's Guide to Academic Programs March 2019 Featured:
8 Transitioning High School to College for Students with Special Needs 13 Florida Authors Out to Change the World One Teen at a Time 14 The Missing Link in Testing 16 Webinar: What Parents & Students Need to Know about Academic Planning for College Admissions
17 Ask the Expert: What do I Need to Study for the ACT/SAT? 20 5 Ways to Alleviate Test Stress 22 Infographic: State University System Test Scores 24 PERT, ACT & SAT Compared 26 Student Voice: Social Media Isn't Really that Social 28 Top ACT/ SAT Questions Answered 31
5 Natural Ways to Increase Studying Retention
Subscribe today GET YOUR FREE MONTHLY MAGAZINE DELIVERED TO YOUR EMAIL 30 30
www.unmaze.me
4
UNMAZED MAGAZINE: EDITOR LETTER
Letter from the Editor
By: Dr. Amanda Sterk, Senior Editor and Founder of UnMazed Magazine asterk@unmaze.me
Education always seems to come in cycles. As the
Additionally, the quality of educators and content
school year end winds down, there is a continual
experts that are collaborating with UnMazed
flurry of tying up all the year's happenings, and one
Magazine is exciting. Experts come from all over the
of those areas is state and national standardized
state and nationally! This month we have a
testing.
returning Student Voice from Gabriella Baltodano as she blogs about her thoughts through her teen
If you live in Florida or other states with multiple
years. Returning authors Rob Hicks, Aimee Carlson,
state end-of-the-year tests you can almost feel the
and Amy Johnson all share great tips and tricks on
anxiousness in the air from teachers and students.
navigating the testing process using healthy, holistic ideas to help teens. Reina Lombardi shares valuable
One area that we can begin to alleviate some of
resources on students who have disabilities and
those nerves is to go through the varying tests and
their transition from high school to college. Lastly,
help you understand and prepare for the tests that
this month UnMazed sat down with college
come. This month's UnMazed Magazine looks at the
admissions advisor, Scott Daigle, to talk about high
different testing for high schools students and gives
school academic programs and what it means for
tips for both parents and students to master the
college
process as stress free as possible. Â
informative video!
Both parents and students should know what their
Check out the great inforgraphics that break down
options are so they can make better academic
testing for your college-bound student.
decision, and not get in a testing rut.. There are great resources out there for all types of students, and this month's information is sure to be useful.
admissions.
Be
sure
to
watch
this
MARCH 2019, ISSUE 11, UNMAZED MAGAZINE 5
Magazine articles and more can be found at www.unmaze.me Where Florida experts meet for teen success.
Contact us: We enjoy hearing from from parents, students, and educators throughout the state. Send us your photos, letters, or comments to asterk@unmaze.me. Or visit us online: www.unmaze.me Do you want to collaborate? This magazine is designed for educators across the state to share their expertise on a variety of topics. We welcome those who would like to participate in creating this resource.
UnMazed Where Experts Meet for Teen Success
Editor SENIOR EDITOR
Amanda Sterk, Ed.D., is CEO of Florida Center for Educational Planning and author of College UnMazed: Your Guide Through the Florida College & University System. She currently works at Florida SouthWestern State College as Director of Accelerated Programs.. Dr. Sterk has been an educator for 20 years as a teacher, school counselor, and administrator. She is founder of the Florida teen resource, www.unmaze.me.Â
www.unmaze.me
Contributing Writers 8
14
Reina Lombardi, ATR-BC, ATCS, LMHC-QS owns Florida Art Therapy Services, LLC, a private mental health practice in Fort Myers Florida. She and her team specialize in serving the mental health needs for families with children and teens with special needs. You can learn more about her and upcoming Free community educational events on the practice website www.floridaarttherapyservices.com Amy Johnson has been in education for 11 years., and is a Florida Gulf Coast University graduate. with a bachelors degree in elementary education and a masters degree in educational technology. Amy is an educational consultant for Discovery Toys, so she could help children of all ages increase critical and creative thinking skills through play to better prepare them for their future.
16
Scott Daigle is passionate about college admissions. As a former school counselor, and now private college consultant, he understands how to navigate the college process with ease. He is an Independent Educational Consultant at Premier College Advisors.
17
Rob Hicks, M.Ed.,has worked in public schools for 16 years. He is a school counselor at Fernandina Beach High School and the Ogburn School. He maintains the "Getting My Guide On" blog about all things school counselor at guidey.blogspot.com and writes about local history.
20
Pamela Jenkins, Founder of WAY Educational Services. Pamela is passionate about equipping students with the knowledge to live a more meaningful. She has a specialist degree in Educational Leadership and a master's in Psychology.
26
31
Gabriella Baltodano is a striving Music Therapist and seeks out positivity for other people. With her life, she yearns to make the world better little by little and cause a "butterfly effect". Her motto is "a smile makes someone's day better." One of Gabi's long term goals is to travel and learn about different cultures while bring her knowledge with her to make the lives of others better. Aimee Carlson, Healing Homes, Walk with Aimee as an accidental opportunity yields the best discoveries of her life. From successful franchise owner to Network Marketing Professional. Aimee has spent the last 4 years improving her health naturally and empowering families to do the same. You matter, Your family matters.
Do you have a passion for teen success? Do you have a passion for teen success? Would you like to write for an innovative magazine written by educators Would you like to write for an innovative magazine written by educators across the state? across the state? Connect with us today! Connect with us today! http://www.unmaze.me/collaborators-3/ http://www.unmaze.me/collaborators-3/
8
UNMAZED MAGAZINE: FEATURED
TRANSITIONING High School to College for Students with Special Needs By: Reina Lombardi, Florida Art Therapy Services, LLC
Every quarter, my practice hosts a free quarterly workshop/speaking event. They are an opportunity for us to share information and resources on mental health and other issues that affect those we serve. On February 4, 2019, we were fortunate to have Jessica Braun, with Florida Diagnostic
&
Learning
Resource
Systems
(FDLRS-
http://www.fdlrs.org/) and the Lee County Public School District, speak at our office about the options and resources available to teens and families transitioning from high school. I took copious notes so that I could share everything I learned from her with you. She deserves all the credit for the information communicated in this article. She began informing us that after a student reaches age 22, or graduates from high school, they are no longer under the auspices of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA mandates that all children have a right to a free appropriate education for all students, and ensures that students with disabilities are provided access to who may need specific accommodations if they decide to continue their educational journey. They will still be afforded rights, but they are instead governed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This entitles those with a documented or perceived disability access to additional services. If you want to know more about the interrelationship of these laws, you may want to consult the U.S. Department of Education website. The one caveat to this is that once in college, the student MUST SELF-IDENTIFY as a person with a disability by going to
the
office
of
Adaptive
Services
to
request
accommodations. The student will also need to communicate directly with their professors or educators regarding their disability. It is advised that students visit the office of adaptive services prior to enrollment to determine what is available, as accommodations will vary among educational institutions.
REINA LOMBARDI, FLORIDA ART THERAPY SERVICES Due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of
These programs are eligible for financial aid
1974 (FERPA), a federal law that protects the privacy
through programs such as the Pell Grant. Students
of student education records, after age 18 parents are
interested in pursuing the GED have multiple
no longer able to act on behalf of the student. This
options including both virtual/online and in-person
means that the student must be the one to request the
instruction at the Lee County School District office.
additional services, access their records and resolve
challenges they experience within the system. Parents
Another option is to transition directly into
may accompany their student regarding the above, but
employment or an apprenticeship. For students in
they would not be able to obtain academic information
need of additional assistance with this process, they
if they call or go in on behalf of the student unless the
will benefit by connecting with the Department of
student signs a release form for them to do so.
Education
Department
of
Vocational
Rehabilitation. Their mission is"to help people with Jessica advised that students should be working on
disabilities find and maintain employment and
developing
enhance
self-advocacy
skills
throughout
their
their
independence”
primary education experience in preparation for this
(http://www.rehabworks.org/, 2019).
process in adulthood. She noted that at age 14 students
with an IEP are invited to a transition IEP meeting
Students also have the option of pursuing a military
where they begin the process of discussing their
career, which will require them to complete the
dreams for their future. For more information on
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery
helping teens develop self-advocacy skills, you may
(ASVAB). The military uses the results of this test to
want read this previously published article on the topic
determine occupational placement during service.
in UnMazed.
Students interested in pursuing military options can
learn more at the local recruiter’s office located at
For students earning a standard high school diploma
4470 Fowler Street, Fort Myers, Florida 33901.
transition opportunities are vast; however, for those unable to meet the criteria for a standard diploma or
For families interested in pursuing financial
select another option, such as the GED or Certificate of
resources to pay for secondary education, she
Completion, the options become limited. Students who
suggests using a website called FastWeb. This
are unable to pass the FSA requirements and earn a
website
Certificate of Completion are eligible to attend a state
opportunities,
college, such as Florida Southwestern College, but must
information on how to complete the Free
take and pass remedial level coursework prior to being
Application for Federal Student Aide (FAFSA) and
able to enroll in required coursework for a college
much more.
degree. She noted that one of the challenges with this option is that the remedial coursework is not eligible for financial aid, which may pose a hardship to many families. A
technical
program
or
vocational
education
institution, such as Ft. Myers Technical College or Sunstate Academy, can be attended by earning a GED and taking the Tests of Adult Education (TABE) test.
has
information scholarships,
on
internship
part-time
jobs,
9
10 UNMAZED MAGAZINE: RESOURCES
RESOURCES For Students with Special Needs https://www.flbog.edu/forstudents/ati/disabilities.php This is the State University System of Florida Board of Governors website. This page provides the links to Office of Disabilities (may also be referred to as Office of Adaptive Services) for each State University within Florida. http://Project10.info The mission of Project 10: Transition Education Network is “assist Florida school districts and relevant stakeholders in building capacity to provide secondary transition services to students with disabilities in order to improve their academic success and post-school outcomes. Project 10 serves as the primary conduit between the Florida Department of Education, specifically the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services (BEESS), and relevant school district personnel in addressing law and policy, effective practices, and research-based interventions in the area of transition services for youth with disabilities,” (2019). http://www.floridashines.org This website offers a variety of resources for students of all ages (even adults). https://www.floridashines.org/find-a-career page is all about what happens after you finish your education. It allows you to create an account and take career interest inventories, learn about different career options, find information about colleges and learn how to write an effective resume. https://www.floridashines.org/go-to-college page focuses on college readiness for students. You can explore different college degrees offered throughout the state, explore different colleges and universities, and obtain information on how to pay for school, including scholarships. https://www.floridashines.org/succeed-in-college page focuses on assisting with the needs of students already in enrolled in college. They have resources to help students find FREE textbooks! AH-MAZING! They also provide you with information about how to enroll in courses at another university within the Florida University system, as well as explore online learning options. http://apd.myflorida.com/ This is the Agency for Persons with Disabilities website. One nice feature of the site is their online resource directory, which allows you to look up a variety of categories (legal, mental health, therapy and rehabilitation, transition, transportation, etc…) and filter according to locale. Go directly to the resource search with the following link https://resourcedirectory.apd.myflorida.com/resourcedirectory/Default.aspx
REINA LOMBARDI, FLORIDA ART THERAPY SERVICES http://www.rehabworks.org/ The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation’s (or VR as it is commonly referred) mission is to assist persons with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment. They provide the following types of assistance after graduation: Workplace Accommodations, Job Placement, Job Coaching, On-the-Job Training, Supported Employment, Assistive Technology & Devices, Time-Limited Medical and/or Psychological Treatment, & Postsecondary Education/Training. http://fldoe.org Anything you want to know about the Florida Public School system will on there, from graduation options and requirements to legal policies regarding education. There is a page solely dedicated to students with disabilities
http://fldoe.org/academics/exceptional-student-edu/ http://fldoe.org/academics/exceptional-student-edu/parent-info/ provides resources specific to parents including PDFs on understanding the Florida Standardized Assessments, FERPA, and guides for understanding exceptional education (some documents are also available in Spanish). http://www.fldoe.org/accountability/assessments/k-12-student-assessment/fsa.stml provides access to LOTS of great resources on assessments including Florida Standardized Assessment practice tests. https://fndusa.org/ The Family Network on Disabilities website also has a plethora of information and resources to assist families. A wonderful asset to this website is that it is available in the following languages: English, Spanish, Creole & Russian. https://fndusa.org/contact-us/programs/pen/ The Parent Education Network for Lee county can be accessed via this link. They offer support and resources to help you advocate for your child.
I hope you find these resources helpful to you and your child/children. Many of them may be beneficial regardless of ability.
11
UNMAZED MAGAZINE: RESOURCES
Helping Students Find Their Way to Success
FLORIDA RESOURCES 13
Florida Authors Out to Change the World One Teen at a Time
By Pamela Jenkins, M.Ed, Best Little Teen Guide Ever provides 40 key strategies to improving teen's lives through inspirational quotes, short stories, and ideas.
By Jenipher Lyn, Find Your Rainbow, this colorful and engaging discovery guide and activity book encourages selfgrowth and creative expression as it helps girls through the sometimes tough journey of growing up.
By Dr. Juniace Senecharles Etienne, Shaping Young Minds Journal is to help students plan for their progress of selfdiscovery and vision.
By Amanda Sterk, EdD, College UnMazed: Your Guide Through the Florida College & University System, walks families through complicated maze of high school to college to help with academic planning, standardized testing, college applications, and scholarships.
14
UNMAZED MAGAZINE: FEATURED
THE MISSING LINK IN TESTING By Amy Johnson, Educator We cannot hide the fact that students today live in a society driven by an excess of testing. Undeniably, today's students face a wealth of obstacles that can prevent them from performing well on exams. It comes to no surprise that testing anxiety or stress from testing can have negative effects on students' self-esteem or hinder their efforts. Have you ever wondered why some students outperform others, even when they may not have the highest IQ or grades? The answer to this perplexing question could boil down to one word, grit. The term grit is the foundation of Carol Dweck's theory on a growth mindset. "Grit is not just having resilience in the face of failure, but also having deep commitments that you remain loyal to over many years.” (Perkins-Gough, D., 2013). Grit is also trait-level perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Research has shown that grit predicted achievement in challenging domains over and beyond measures of talent. It is what enables students to see that with the right mindset your goals can be achieved (Duckworth & Quinn, 2009 p.166). Grit seems to be the distinctive motivational factor that students have that catapults them to set and achieve academic goals regardless of prior failures or experiences. If we can teach students to tap into their potential and look beyond the viewpoint of a test score, we can help them realize they are more than just a test score. They are capable of achieving and reaching the goals they set. Dweck's theory goes on to state students with a fixed mindset believe that their intelligence is simply an inborn trait- they have a certain amount and that is that. As a former student
AMY JOHNSON, EDUCATOR 15 who struggled in college with math, I can relate firsthand to
mindset is what allowed me to overcome the obstacles
testing anxiety. This caused me to develop a fixed mindset
preventing me from achieving my academic goals. With this
and compare myself to my peers. However, that is where
in mind, it is imperative that we can identify that failure is
grit arose. Now in hindsight, I can see that grit was the
not permanent. We can change our mindset and foster the
missing piece to the puzzle. Grit is what enabled me to
grit that is essential to help embrace the struggles and
achieve my academic goals through persistence and
failures that testing throws our way. Those failures and
perseverance. Instead of adopting a fixed mindset because
challenges are what help us grow and to challenge
I did not pass a test, I used that failure as my springboard to
ourselves to achieve our academic goals.
grow and change my studying habits. Acquiring a growth
16 UNMAZED MAGAZINE: ASK THE EXPERT
What Parents & Students Need to Know about Academic Planning for College Success Webinar Link
ROB HICKS, COUNSELOR
ASK THE EXPERT What do I need to study for the ACT/ SAT? By Rob Hicks, School Counselor at Fernandina Beach High School, Blogger at Guidey.Blogspot.com One of the most common questions I am asked as a
me that the people who publish the exams are going
school counselor is, “what can I do to prepare for the
to have the best insight into how to prepare, so I
SAT and ACT?” The answer is, there’s a lot. A ton of
think any test prep should include these services at
exam prep materials exist that can help students
least in part. Both services allow a user to look at
squeeze a few more points out of these important
previous test attempts, explore weaknesses, and
assessments.
target those weaknesses within the test prep. This is an extremely valuable tool and one that any student
However, to begin this conversation it’s important to
will be wise to take advantage of.
temper expectations. The purpose of the SAT and ACT is to compare the aptitude of students who are applying
These are not the only means for SAT or ACT test
to college from a national and sometimes international
prep though. A multitude of third-party resources
pool. These tests separate the elite from the average in
exists that are aimed at SAT or ACT preparation.
an unbiased way that a GPA might struggle to do. And,
They can carry different approaches or different
the tests do a pretty good job of this. In a sense, they
methods of delivery and I won’t suggest that any one
represent your body of intellectual work for the
of them is better than the other here. You can find
entirety of your schooling so a little time spent
theses at places like Amazon.com or in the big box
preparing for these tests is only going to elevate a
book stores like Barnes and Nobles, so it’s probably a
student so much. Test prep can improve scores but no
good idea to do a little shopping and find one that
one should expect that can turn an average score into a
looks like it’s a good fit for you.
perfect one. Those products will often be self-directed which So, how does a student prepare for a test? My belief is
means they’ll require a level of self-discipline that
that it is possible to overdo it. I wouldn’t want a student
not every high school student has. In that case, many
to ignore their classroom studies for the sake of
high schools offer some after-school or weekend
preparing for an exam. Plus, it just seems like a good
workshops in the days or weeks leading up to test.
way to burn a young person out. However, some
Colleges and private tutoring services sometimes
dedicated time spent preparing for an exam in the six to
also offer test preparation classes. These can be the
eight weeks leading up to the administration can be
most expensive options for test preps but they
beneficial.
occasionally come with money back guarantees to improve your score a certain number of points. I have
The College Board has partnered with the Khan
had good feedback from these sorts of classes in the
Academy for their test prep and the ACT has partnered
past and I imagine they wouldn’t offer the guarantee
with Kaplan for theirs. I think these are best places to
if they weren’t confident they could meet it more
start. It makes sense to
often than not.
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18 UNMAZED MAGAZINE: FEATURED
When Scores Don't Make the Cut Here are some helpful tips if your scores just are not getting to where you need to be after hard-work and tutoring.
SAT or ACT?
1. Know about each test- There always seems to be one test each student is stronger in, either the ACT/SAT. While both are trying to measure a student's aptitude for first-year college equivalency, the way they assess is quite different. By starting early, you can determine which test you score higher in and from then on focus
73%
on that one test. 2. Consider Test Optional Colleges- Not every college believes these standardized tests are the best determination for student success- they believe "You
73% of Florida seniors took the ACT
Are More Than a Score". Many top universities throughout the country have a test-optional policy and allow you to decide to submit or not your test scores. 3. Consider Holistic Review or Selective UniversitiesMany universities view an application from all angles, such as using counselor and teacher recommendations, academics (including level of rigor), your essay,
83%
community volunteer work, school activities, and ethnicity/ background, so the ACT/ SAT is a small part of it. This is called "selective admissions"- typically if the school has an essay, it is a selective admission process. 4. Tell Admissions about your Learning Disability- If you have had an IEP or 504 and have excelled in the classroom or had setbacks until you were diagnosed, these might help explain why you did not fair as well on the ACT/SAT. Universities often seek out to have an exclusive, diverse student population including learning disabilities. The most brilliant essay I read was a student
83% of Florida seniors took the SAT writing about his ADHD and safer pharmaceutical drugs utilizing current research to help others like himhe landed a top scholarship at a prestigious university. 5. Look at Satellite Campuses or Partnership Programs- Many colleges have multiple campuses or agreements with
AMANDA STERK, UNMAZED 19
other colleges to enter into their programs. For example, University of South Florida has 3 campuses, and their entrance ACT/SAT rates are different at each one- you may make the cut at one but not the other. Also, schools like University of Florida Engineering program has partnered with Santa Fe College and State College of Florida. This is the same with top colleges and universities throughout the country-
sometimes
doing
two
years
to
an
undergraduate program where your scores meet the guidelines, allows you a guaranteed spot in top graduate programs. 6. Consider an Associates of Arts or Associates of Science Program- Working at a state college myself, I see daily how advantageous a state/community college can be for first-time in college students or adult students returning to school. Students are choosing this model in higher numbers than ever
Most Popular Florida Schools to Send ACT and SAT Scores 1. University of Central Florida 2. Florida State University 3. University of Florida 4. University of Miami Top Test Optional Colleges 1. Bowdoin College 2. Wake Forest University 3. Bates College 4. Wesleyan University
Where do you rank?
before because of the small classroom environment,
Top Score
increased financial aid, lower tuition, ease of transferability, better access to programs and sports,
Florida
A C T
Nationally
and proximity to home. At the end of it, the final .
degree is the most important not how you got there. 7. Ask for an Appeal- Maybe you were denied because your test scores just weren't high enough. If it is a not a college
that
typically
asks
for
letters
of
recommendation or alternative academic information, ask if there is a way to appeal by submitting additional
Only 21% of Florida students posted "college ready" scores on all four sections of the exam (math, reading, science and writing)
documentation. I had a student who had left out her learning disability in fear of denial, but once I wrote a recommendation explaining the circumstance, they reconsidered and reversed the original decision. In the end, student's need to realize that an ACT/SAT
Top Score Florida
,
Nationally
,
,
score is not the end-all-be-all. There are many pathways to the summit, and there are many options for students today-more than ever before.
Only 36% of Florida students posted "college ready" scores on both sections of the exam (math and the reading/writing)
S A T
20
UNMAZED MAGAZINE: FEATURED
5
WAYS TO ALLEVIATE TEST STRESS
By Pamela Jenkins, Way Education Services So, you find yourself prepared to take a test and just at
priority. So, you find yourself prepared to take a test and
the start of the exam, you draw a complete blank. Your
ultimately renewing our minds is the key. Therefore,
heart begins to race, and you cannot think straight. All
mental focus techniques, and meditation and prayer are
you feel is panic as you feel the pressure to succeed.
great things to put into practice.
You may even have the thought “if I don’t pass this test, I am a total failure!”
2. Calm your Body
Since we know that a healthy body influences a healthy
1. Calm your Mind
mind, we should give attention to the types of food and
Did you know that we feel whatever it is that we
drink that we are putting in our bodies. There are many
believe? I t is well known that anxious thoughts create
things that support a healthy body including limiting
an anxious body. Furthermore, when we perceive a
toxic chemicals as well as balancing nutrition.
situation to be harmful or threatening in any sense, we
activate our fight or flight response and our body
Nutritional deficiencies and environmental toxins can
reacts.
create an anxious mind and body. During an exam, it is
essential that our mind can process thought rationally
When this happens, adrenaline and cortisol is released,
and our body is restored with adequate rest.
our digestion slows, and our arteries become restricted.
All this is happening to prepare our body to survive
Anxiety and stress rob our bodies of nutrients. For
danger. This has been built within us as a form of self-
example, calming minerals like magnesium, calcium and
preservation.
zinc are heavily depleted when we experience a high
level of emotional stress. Therefore, making sure that we
Unfortunately, this survival tool works against us when
have adequate levels of the necessary nutrients to
we perceive various situations and circumstances to be
perform optimally is vital.
life threatening when they are actually harmless. That is why focusing on our thoughts should always be the
There are certain “brain foods” that support a healthy
AC0-
PAMELA JENKINS, WAY EDUCATION SERVICES
mind. For example, I have heard the saying “an avocado a
This again is primarily because we learn by association and
day, keeps the psychologist away.” Probably an indication
connection. The study of Pavlov’s dog in psychology proves
that our brains require healthy fats. We have all heard
this type of learning when the dog learned to associate the
similar sayings about apples or other natural foods. The
bell with the food.
point here is that we should try our best to avoid unnatural
and processed foods. There is a reason that we have heard
5. Slow Down and Breathe
this message for years; food matters!
This may seem like a no brainer but during an exam we must
remind ourselves to slow down, read the directions
3. Know your Stuff
carefully and breathe slowly.
Next, it’s important to build confidence before taking an exam. One of the best ways to increase our confidence is to
It is surprising how many students miss the right answer
know the material well. If we believe that we can be
simply because of their failure to read the word “not.” It is
successful at test taking without preparation, then we are
always to our benefit to read directions at least twice so as
setting ourselves up for failure.
not to miss anything. Additionally, I have witnessed many
students who have failed to recheck their calculators and
This seems like common sense but, as an educator, I have
provide an answer to a math problem in error. These are
witnessed many students that simply did not take the time
simple mistakes that would not occur if test takers simply
to study. The work ethic must be there first.
slowed down enough to validate a question or an answer.
We must study and have a good understanding of the
Finally, why would we have to be reminded to breathe
subject or it will not matter how calm we are during an
when it’s an automatic response? It is because a slower rate
exam. A person either knows the material being tested or
of breathing helps to control our bodies response.
they do not. There is no exception unless of course a person
is an extremely lucky guesser.
We can learn to control our anxiety level through our
breath. This is something that is often taught to people who
4. Enhance your Short-Term Memory
are having their blood pressure regularly checked. Just
Much of the material that we retain for an exam is lost over
worrying about a high blood pressure reading can quickly
time due to the limitations of our short-term memory. Real
cause blood pressure to increase. When anxiety increases,
learning takes place over time through repetition and
our heart rate and blood pressure increase as well. This
experience.
leads to shallow short breathing. By simply taking slow
deep breathes, we can help to calm our sympathetic
When preparing for an exam, it is of great benefit to boost
nervous system.
our short-term memory potential. Since we learn through association, there are a few simple things that we can do to
As you can see, there are several things that we can do to
enhance our memory for test taking. For example, research
help alleviate test anxiety. Since everyone is unique, a
has shown that studying in those environments similar to
person needs to find out what specifically works for them.
the test taking environment can help us retain knowledge.
Additionally, it is beneficial to study right before going to
With testing at the forefront in much of today’s education,
bed at night. Some people even believe that if they chew
it is vital that we address the issue of anxiety as it relates to
gum during study, they will perform better if they chew gum
test performance. I would even go so far as to predict that
during an exam.
one day, colleges will offer courses merely for the purpose of dealing with test anxiety.
21
22 UNMAZED MAGAZINE: INFOGRAPHICS
Florida State
Median Rang
Florida Ag.& Me SA0 SA0
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Florida Gulf Coa
Florida Atlantic Univ. SA0 SA0
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RW M
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SA0 SA0
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Florida PolyTechnic Univ. SA0 SA0
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Florida State
AC0-
RW M
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RW M
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SA0 SA0
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RW M
SA0 SA0
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RW M
Univ. of Flo
Univ. of Central Florida SA0 SA0
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UNMAZED MAGAZINE: FEATURED
PERT
ACT
SAT
Students have multiple college-level exams that they can take to enter into college. As well, these tests can also be used to pass some of the state standardized exams necessary for high school graduation. Knowing the various tests and which one works for your academic path is essential to the college process. PERT- Post Secondary Readiness
ACT- ACT is an entrance exam
SAT- Scholastic Assessment Test
Test is designed as a common
used
and
is an entrance exam used for
placement
universities
admissions
college admissions that tests a
accurate course placement on a
purposes. The ACT is to reflect the
student's writing, critical reading,
student's skills and abilities in
general knowledge of a student's
and mathematics skills. It is a
college-level work. Students may
first year in college that focuses on
multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper
use this score to enter into dual
reading, writing, mathematics, and
test administered by the College
enrollment
science. It is a multiple-choice,
Board. Each section is scored from
colleges. The PERT test can also be
pencil-and-paper
200 to 800 point scale,with your
used to pass the Algebra 1 end-of-
administered by ACT, Inc. It is
total
course exam. Students can take this
offered several times throughout
sections with a max of 1600 points
test at their high school or on a
the year, and is often taken in a
available. The SAT also provides a
college's campus. It is computer-
student's junior and senior year.
double-digit score that is used by
based and untimed. The test is out
Points
the state for dual enrollment. To
of 150 points each section.
composite score (all sections) of
find
36. To find out more go to
www.collegeboard.org.
test
to
programs
determine
or
state
by
are
most
colleges
for
out
test
an
www.actstudent.org..
averaged
score
out
added
more
between
go
to
AMANDA STERK, UNMAZED There are several test options out there for high school students. Taking and passing these exams can have a big impact on accelerated high school programs, like dual enrollment, college admissions, and scholarships. Before starting these tests, parents and students should know what the options are and make a decisions based on a student's strength and college and career plans. This chart explains some oft he similarities and differences of the three main tests given here in Florida.
Test Comparison PERT
Features Available
ACT
SAT
Core content focused
Computer-based
Timed
Limited date testing
Accommodations
University admissions
Dual enrollment admissions
Formal pre-test
Florida Dual Enrollment Re uired Test Scores PERT Scores
ACT Scores
SAT Scores
Reading
106
24
103
19 17
Reading
Writing
Reading Writing
Writing
25
Math
114
Math
19
Math
24
*Scores determined by Florida Department of Education as college-level for courses in dual enrollment
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UNMAZED MAGAZINE: STUDENT VOICE
Social Media Isn't Really That Social
By Gabriella Baltodano, Student The past month has been a train wreck for me. I've
as addicted as others but there was still the fact that
been coping and working with myself to move past the
when I was with people who I hadn't been with in a
stress. However, I can never seem to get better.
long time, that I had missed, I would still just go on
Last weekend, I spent time with my best friend-- whom
Instagram's explore page and watch slime videos and
I hadn't seen in quite sometime. We talked, laughed,
look at memes. The "I use social media to talk to
and it made me feel much better afterwards.
people" was no longer valid. People have other forms
Yesterday, I decided that maybe there was something I
of communication, and though some can only use their
hadn't noticed that was setting me back from my true
social platforms to communicate, it was not that way
contentment. I look back to times when I was truly
for me or the people I would talk to.
content and I always notice something that pops out at
So, I made an impulse decision. I asked the people who
me-- I was never on my phone.
I didn't have the numbers of for their numbers and I deleted social media. I've only had it deleted for a short
I started using social media in my 8th grade year. I
amount of time, not even 24 hours, but I am still
followed the bandwagon around me because I felt left
opening up my phone to click on where I had
out. At first, I used Instagram just to communicate with
memorized that my social media apps were, and I click
my friends and to post funny pictures. The longer I had
something that wasn't what I wanted to.
social media, the more I was sucked into it. Whenever a
Lack of social media has so far been a hard habit to
new update would come out I would be ecstatic for all
break, but a necessary one.
of the new features. I would be on social media a
Being on social media as often as I was had made me
majority of my day. Instagram led to Facebook, to keep
forget the things I missed and isolated me from the
in contact with my family, which led to Snapchat,
outside world.
Pinterest, Tumblr, Discord and Twitter. All of these
There are many things that I missed that I only missed
platforms kept me on my phone. Whenever I would
because I let social media take a hold on me. Social
wake up I would check my phone. Whenever I saw a
media can be an amazing thing for communication and
notification on one of the many social platforms, I
knowing what’s happening in places far from you, but
would click on it before a message or phone call from
you lose the acknowledgement and understanding of
my family. I had a social media addiction. Yes, I was not
the world around you. Â Â
GABRIELLA BALTODANO
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28 UNMAZED MAGAZINE: FEATURED
S N IO
T S E
U Q T
A S /
P O T
T C A
By Amanda Sterk, EdD, College UnMazed I receive a lot of questions regarding the ACT and SAT
the decision. You may be planning to attend a school or
tests. What they are, when best to take them, what it
program that doesn't require the ACT or SAT (some
means for college admissions. While some schools are
schools are even test optional), but your plans may
moving away from using standardized test scores for
change down the road and having taken these in high
college admission, for most schools it is a big part of the
school will be much easier than later in life.
college admission application. Not only is admissions connected to your score, but often times scholarships as
2. WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE ACT
well. A few extra points here and there can make a big
AND THE SAT TESTS?
difference (see my recent post about the how a few
While the ACT and SAT are both standardized tests that
points for ACT/SAT could mean 100% free tuition!).
can help you get into college, they do differ a bit from each other. The ACT is focused on achievement,
For this article, I am not going to into the theology of the
measuring the bigger picture of what you've learned in
test and all the arguments for or against. The thing you
school, while the SAT measures aptitude, testing your
should know is that they are necessary for most four
reasoning skills and verbal abilities.
year universities. Two year state or community colleges will also use it, but may have other tests you can take
Check out the Princeton Review for more information
such as the PERT.
on the two tests and their differences.
Here are some basic questions I get frequently. My suggestion is to take both tests early on, see how 1. SHOULD I TAKE ONE OF THESE TESTS?
those scores compare against what you need for the
Consider the path that you're planning after high school
colleges you are looking at, and then take the "better"
to determine if you should take the ACT or SAT. While it
score test again after more preparation. Unlike decades
may not be a requirement, depending on the school
ago, universities have NO preference on which test you
you're attending, consider taking the long-term view
take, they care about your HIGHEST score.
when making
AMANDA STERK, COLLEGE UNMAZED
3. HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE ACT/ SAT?
6. WHAT IS THE COST FOR THE ACT AND SAT TESTS?
There are a number of different ways to prepare. While your
There are several price ranges- one includes the full test with
school may have test prep courses for you, going private can
the writing portion. I highly suggest you do both. There is also
often be extremely costly. This is one of the issues people
a late fee registration is you miss the regular deadline.
have with the test. There are several good websites out
ACT= $39.50, ACT with writing= $56.50
there that can give you diagnostic tests, flashcards, practice
SAT= $43.00, SAT with essay= $54.40
tests, and overall guidance.
SAT subject tests- $26 (to be taken if specific programs ask for it)
Be careful of private tutors; make sure they are legitimate. Just because they charge a lot, does not mean they are good
If you are on free and reduced lunch, there are waivers for
or can get you results. On the other hand, there are certain
both tests. You may use two. You will need to see your high
strategies students can learn to be able to do better on the
school guidance counselor for this waiver. You are also
test. Knowing what the test makers are seeking for answers
entitled to waived application fees at some school
and shoring up some academic weaknesses could prove
universities, so be sure to ask!
beneficial for students. Private tutors or computer programs can often help in this area. One suggestion is to take test
7. SHOULD I SEND MY SCORES DIRECTLY TO THE
first and see how your student does as a baseline. On the
COLLEGE/ UNIVERSITY I AM THINKING OF?
second attempt have your child study on their own using
It will ask you in the beginning part of the two tests if you
some outside resources (online, book, at school, etc). If there
want to send your scores to a college/ university of your
scores are still not where they need, then on the third
choice. At this point, it is FREE! However, you do not know
attempt consider some private, specialized tutoring to try
how you will score- especially if it is your first time. My
and increase a few more points.
suggestion is to not do it the first time, after you feel more confident, know approximately what you might get, then I
4. WHEN SHOULD I TAKE THE TEST FOR THE FIRST
would send it using the free service. If you decide NOT to do
TIME?
so, and send it later, you will have to pay. It's $12 for ACT for
Typically, students will take the ACT or SAT no later than
each school sent, SAT is $11.25.
Spring of their 11th grade year. This is to strengthen your math, reading and writing. However, some students start
8. HOW DO I SIGN-UP?
earlier to begin practicing, and sometimes it is needed for
ACT- www.actstudent.org
certain high school programs like dual-enrollment.
SAT- www.collegeboard.org You will need your 6 digit school code. You select which date
5. HOW MANY TIMES CAN I TAKE THE TEST?
you want to take it and which high school.
It's generally advised to take the test no more than three
I hope this helps provide some basic background information
times, to avoid raising red flags with admission counselors.
on these tests. As a reminder, the ACT and SAT is just one
Prepare for the test as though you're only going to take it
aspect of your college admission, your recalculated gpa,
one time, and do your best. If you're not satisfied with your
courses taken, extra-curriculars, and overall college success
score, you can take it again.
plays a big part.
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UNMAZED MAGAZINE: FEATURED
Student's Testing Timeline TESTING TIMELINE Testing Timeline for Success
Fall
th- th
th
Many schools offer Pre-ACT or PSAT in the fall of 10th grade year. Be sure to wach for dates and sign up.
Testing is not a focus, but some academic summer programs might require testing.
This is a key time to start taking these tests for college admissions. Most experts suggest taking both ACT and SAT and see which score is highest.
Fall
Many seniors use this as their last testing time for college admissions. Most colleges have a priority deadline of November 1st. Admissions
Fall
th
th PSAT
The 11th grade PSAT is used for mutliple scholarships, such as National Merit Scholarships. As well, fee waivers can start being used for ACT and SAT..
This is a great time to plan taking the tests if your student may be interested in Dual Enrollment. PERT, ACT or SAT accepted.
Admissions
th
th
Dual Enrollment
Pre-Tests
Special Programs
Spring
Spring
Many seniors use this time reach a higher score for second consideration or to achieve Bright Futures Scholarship levels.
Bright Futures
Spring
th
AIMEE CARLSON, YOUNG LIVING It’s almost springtime and with that brings end of year exams to take. No matter if you are a child, a teenager, or an adult, taking tests can be an uncomfortable and stressful experience. If you are looking for a way to calm those pretest nerves, improve your concentration and memory retention, I’ve got you covered! Follow these natural approaches and you’ll be ready to tackle those tests with confidence.
By Aimee Carlson, Young Living 1.. Exercise - When we exercise our brain releases
2. Following a Schedule - Time management is one of
endorphins which interact with feel good receptors
the biggest factors that determine our ability to get
in our brains. When you are in a good mood your
anything done. Have you ever caught yourself
brain will retain much more information than when
procrastinating? I am pretty sure the answer is ‘Yes’, I
you are groggy. After exercising you receive a boost
know I’m guilty of this one! Many of us fall into this
of energy and your mind is clear and alert. Your mind
trap leaving things like exam prep, essay papers or
has an increased ability to now retain new
other projects to the last minute. Studies have shown
information. Experiments have proven that regular
students who study a couple hours a week at the
exercise can increase the size of the hippocampus
same time every day perform better than students
(the part of the brain which is responsible for
who spent 12 hours crammed in the night before an
learning), boosting our capacity to learn faster and
exam. Another important factor that affects your
more efficiently. The next time you are scheduling a
learning is the time of day of you study. By now you
time to study, plan an activity that will increase your
have learned what time of day your are more focused.
heart rate for at least 20 minutes.
Capitalize on that and do your exam preparation during those hours.
3. Getting Sufficient Rest – One of the worst things you can do is pull an ‘all nighter’ right before exam day. The truth of the matter is your brain will remember so much more information when it is given time to rest and recharge. Do your best to follow the same sleep schedule leading up to your exam so your body and brain will get the correct amount of rest that is required to perform at its highest ability.
4. Using essential oils – Have you ever wanted there to be something that you could take to instantly enhance your memory or increase your learning power? Using essential oils might be the closest thing to do just that! Studies have shown many essential oils are proven to: Increase your concentration Improve your focus Increase cognition and remembrance Boosts memory retention Reduces stress Promotes Relaxation Improves Mood Peppermint has been shown to increase awareness and focus your attention. One sniff and you’ll feel much more alert! Rosemary and Sage have both shown to increase memory and cognition. Lemon is a fantastic stress reduction and mood lifter. Relaxation allows better mental clarity.
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