Perry County School District No. 32
PERRYVILLE — Perryville High School offers its 11th graders an excellent opportunity to prepare for their future by choosing from multiple assessment options based on their college and career plans.
“We are dedicated to preparing our students for future success by providing them with essential tools and opportunities for growth,” said Principal Shadrick Shafer. “As part of this commitment, we are pleased to inform you that we will be offering important standardized assessments to help students identify their academic strengths and areas for improvement, while also enhancing their college and career readiness.”
ACT, ACT WorkKeys, Accuplacer: A Personalized Approach
In alignment with our goal to support each student’s unique academic and career path, we are providing the opportunity for each high school junior to take one of the following assessments based on their individual needs: the ACT, the ACT WorkKeys, or the Accuplacer. The choice of which test to take will be determined by a combination of the school’s recommendation, the student’s personal preference, and family input. Here’s how each assessment will work:
- ACT: The ACT is a comprehensive college admissions test that measures students’ skills in English, math, reading, and science. This test is an important tool for students planning to attend a four-year college or university.
- ACT WorkKeys: This assessment focuses on essential job skills such as applied math, workplace documents, and graphic literacy. It is ideal for students preparing for a career directly after high school, including vocational or technical fields.
- Accuplacer: The Accuplacer is used to assess students’ readiness for college-level coursework, particularly in English and math. It is often used by two-year colleges and technical schools to place students in appropriate classes.
ASVAB for ALL
Additionally, all juniors have been tested in the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) this fall. The ASVAB measures students’ aptitudes in various skill areas, providing valuable insights for career planning. It is particularly beneficial for students considering a career in the military, though it also offers guidance for other career paths.
Why These Assessments Matter
“Each of these assessments is designed to help your child succeed, whether they are heading to college, entering the workforce, looking at the military, or pursuing other training,” said Jane Narrow, chief academic officer at Perry County School District 32. “They provide valuable data for educators, students, and families to ensure that all students are on track to meet their academic and career goals.”
Choosing the Right Assessment
We want to ensure that every student is taking the assessment that aligns with their goals and interests. The process for selecting which test your child will take will involve:
- School Recommendation: Our school counselors and educators will work closely with students to make recommendations based on their academic progress and future aspirations.
- Student Input: Students will have an opportunity to express their preference for which assessment they would like to take.
- Family Choice: We value your input and will involve you in the decision-making process to ensure the choice aligns with your family’s goals for your child’s future.
Testing Dates and Preparation
- ACT: The ACT will be administered on March 11.
- ACT WorkKeys: WorkKeys will begin being administered this fall, with exact dates communicated to students.
- Accuplacer: Accuplacer test dates will be shared with students in the coming months.
- ASVAB: The ASVAB has already been administered this fall.
How You Can Support Your Child
- Encourage Preparation: Talk to your child about the importance of these assessments and encourage them to prepare by utilizing available resources and study materials.
- Ensure Attendance: Please make sure your child is present on the test dates to take full advantage of this valuable opportunity.
- Stay Involved: We will send additional information regarding the assessment selection process, test-day details, and preparation resources.
Parents of PHS juniors who would like further details about the assessments, the selection process, or anything else, are encouraged to reach out to Counselor Rebekah Lefler at rlefler@pcsd32.com or call the school at 573-547-7500, ext. 1540.