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There is no “quick fix”So, think crock pot,

not microwave

Strategies…

Before that, we must say something very important!

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Student Strategies

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PacingQuestions are arranged

in order of difficulty

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Answer the easy questions first

Don’t forget to mark—in the test booklet—the questions you skip

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Answer ALL the Questions

There is no penalty for guessing and no penalty for wrong answers! Therefore, guess when all else fails and guess consistently!

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Read Each Problem Carefully

You don’t necessarily have to use all the information you are given

There are “Cannot be determined from the given information” problems

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Look for clues in the answer choices

Sometimes just substituting answer choices will yield a correct answer

This strategy is time consuming!

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Take Practice Tests

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Know when & how to use the calculator!(Math ONLY)

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Familiarize yourself & use the ACT site

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InstructionalStrategies

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ModelingHow do successful

problem solvers work?

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Study CardsMathScience

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Summative Assessment

Use ACT items from the ACT site and The Real ACT Prep Guide on each unit assessment

Label the section ACT Style Questions

Teacher and student monitor progress on each question

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IntegrationIntegrate more algebra in geometry

Integrate more science examples while teaching probability and statistics

Science incorporate data interpretation in all units

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A district we work with has takentheir average ACT scores from an 18 to a 23…

IN 4 YEARS!

Remember, crock pot,not microwave!

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How did they do THAT?

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Opening Problems

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Openers(Bell Ringers)

In math it’s not about the answer to the

question, rather the process!

In science, it’s about “real” practice on data

interpretation!

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Bell ringers

Answer isn’t part of discussion

Focus is on the process onlyThis isn’t easy for students

or teachersQuestion(s) does not always

have to fit the content10 minutes or lessDepartment/school “buy in”Main strategy and used

consistently

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Teachers familiarize themselves & use the ACT site

Interpreting Graphs

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AdministrativeStrategies

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Have a long term district plan

When will you meet nextWho else will attend

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Curriculum aligned with Program of StudiesCOMMON ASSESSMENT ALIGNED WITH CORE CONTENT AT APPROPRIATE DOK LEVEL

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Math & Science each do technical writing pieces synthesized from technical text

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Effective, ongoing Professional Development

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Algebra I & II taught at least every three years by all members of the math department

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No Credit for Pre-Algebra

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CounselingWhat Course Work

Prepares a Student to be Successful on the ACT?

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Data ReviewThe PlanPast years’ ACT scores

Look at PatternsCompare Course Work