TAKS TESTING IS IMPORTANT, BUT ESPECIALLY SO FOR 11TH GRADE STUDENTS WHO ARE UNDER THE TEA RULES OF SSI. ACCORDING TO TEA GUIDELINES, TO GRADUATE WITH A TEXAS DIPLOMA STUDENTS MUST PASS FOUR TAKS TESTS IN THE AREAS OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS, MATH, SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES. STUDENTS IN 11TH GRADE WHO DO NOT PASS ALL AREAS OF THE TEST WILL HAVE OTHER OPPORTUNITIES DURING SUMMER AND DURING THEIR SENIOR YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL. THE GOAL OF ALL STUDENTS IS TO EARN A DIPLOMA. THEREFORE, PREPARATION FOR TAKS TESTING IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.

The ACT college admission test will be given at VHS on Saturday, February 11, 2012. Students need to go to www.actstudent.org to register for this test. The registration deadline is January 13, 2012. Seniors who have not yet taken the ACT are strongly encouraged to take it at VHS on February 11.


2011-12 ACT National Test Dates

Test Date--------Regist. Deadline

Sep. 10-----------Aug. 12, 2011
Oct. 22-----------Sep. 16, 2011
Dec. 10-----------Nov. 4, 2011
Feb. 11-----------Jan. 13, 2012
Apr. 14-----------Mar. 9, 2012
Jun. 9------------May 4, 2012

ACT Testing Areas

English - 75 questions - 45 minutes
Math - 60 questions - 60 minutes
Reading - 40 questions - 35 minutes
Science - 40 questions - 35 minutes

ACT College Readiness Benchmark Scores
English - 18
Mathematics - 22
Reading - 21
Science - 24
Writing - 7
If you score this score or higher on each section, you are considered "college ready" in that area.

Go to www.actstudent.org/sampletest for a complete set of online sample test questions.

Go to www.actstudent.org/onlineprep
for practice tests with real ACT test questions
Practice essay for the optional ACT Writing Test with real time scoring
Comprehensive content review for each of the ACT's four required tests - English, math, reading, and science
Diagnostic test and personalized study path

Before the test:
1. Go to bed early the night before the test.
2. Eat a good breakfast the morning of the test.
3. Arrive at school on time on test day.
4. Wear comfortable clothing (dress code applies).
5. Leave your cell phone at home, in your locker, or give it to your teacher.

During the Test
1. Breathe deeply - relax
2. Listen to the instructions the teacher will read.
3. Read the questions completely before answering (more than one time).
4. Work out all math problems.
5. Read the passages more than once - go back and find the answers or evidence for your answer.
6. When you tire, shrug your shoulders, stretch your arms, move a part of your body.
7. Do your best.

After the test
1. Make sure you have answered on the answer document.
2. Raise your hand to turn in your test.
3. Remain quiet - others may still be testing.
4. Read a book or draw.
5. Pat yourself on the back for trying your best.

Good Luck to all VHS students on their tests!