GCHS Sophomores Aim High with PLAN Results
Michelle Dormann
At the end of first semester, all GCHS 10th graders conquered yet another test called the PLAN test. This assessment serves several different purposes including results of each student’s skills in four core subjects: English, Math, Reading, and Science and provides feedback about their college readiness. The PLAN feedback shows how each student’s scores compared to those students in his/her class, as well as students across the nation. Results reported good news in the areas of Mathematics and Science where students scored higher than the national average in those areas. Reading and English showed our students scoring very close to those national percentiles as well. The PLAN also provides individualized ideas for improving in the different subject areas based on their scores and can help them as they begin preparing for the ACT test, which is typically taken for the first time during a student’s junior year.
Along with the assessment of the core areas, the sophomores completed an Interest Inventory to provide them feedback about their skills, interests, plans, and goals as related to specific career fields. These results are also helpful for the guidance counselor in determining future courses each student should take to help them best prepare for options after high school, as well as helping teachers to identify areas of concern for each student. Parents are also encouraged to discuss their student’s results with them and begin thinking about their child’s options after high school. All GCHS sophomores have received a copy of their PLAN results and can log on to www.actstudent.org/plan for additional information about the test. Parents may also contact Mrs. Dormann at GCHS to make an appointment to discuss their student’s educational goals.
Two follow-up assessments will be given this spring to the sophomores called ACT WorkKeys and StrengthsQuest. Both of these tests are designed to help students connect their natural talents and academic strengths with their potential career pathways. The more students start learning about themselves and begin setting long-term goals, the more prepared they will be by the time they graduate high school. For more information about any of these tests, career information, or educational/financial planning for after high school, you can use the ACT website mentioned above, www.educationquest.org for financial planning ideas, or call Michelle Dormann at Garden County High School.
