Assessments
Standardized tests are designed to give a common measure of students' performance. They help compare an individual's performance with the performance of a group of students from a given class, school, or school system. Since large numbers of students throughout the country take the same test, "standards" can be developed to show whether school programs are succeeding and how students are performing. Standardized achievement tests measure how much students have already learned about school subjects such as reading, math, language skills, spelling, or science. On the other hand, standardized aptitude tests measure your students' ability to learn in school. They measure verbal ability, mechanical ability, creativity, clerical ability, or abstract reasoning.
ACT (American College Testing Program)
The ACT is a battery of four examinations in English, math, reading, and science reasoning, each of which yield separate scores measuring developed abilities. The test is required by many colleges as part of the application process for admission. West Platte is committed to helping all students perform to their fullest potential on this test and offer a pre-test for students in grades 9-11. Additionally, West Platte will pay for all juniors and any sophomores needing a qualifying math score for dual credit courses to take the test each year.
PSAT 8/9
The PSAT 8/9 is taken to introduce students to the PSAT/NMSQT test sequence and help familiarize them with the test format. It measures verbal and mathematics reasoning skills. Students in 8th and 9th grade may take this test.
PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)
The PSAT/NMSQT measures verbal and mathematics reasoning skills important for academic success in college. It serves three purposes: gives the student practice for the SAT I; is the first step in qualifying for scholarships sponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation and other scholarship programs; gives the student the opportunity to participate in the Student Search Service. This test is taken in the junior year for NMSQT qualification, but may be taken sophomore year as well.
SAT I (Scholastic Aptitude Test)
SAT I is a test used to predict student performance in college. Required by some schools as part of the application process, this three-hour test has two main sections—verbal and math.
ASVAB (The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)
The ASVAB measures students’ strengths and potential for future success. The ASVAB also provides career information for various civilian and military occupations and is an indicator for success in future endeavors including college, vocational school, or a military career.
AP (Advanced Placement Testing)
Students enrolled in AP courses are encouraged to complete the AP examination for which the course has prepared them. Cost of the examination is approximately $89. Information is available from the teachers of the AP courses. Each college or university determines which of these examination scores it will accept. It is important for students to have accurate information from the school they plan to attend regarding the acceptance of AP credit.
Missouri Assessment Program-End of Course Exams
Upon completion of the course work, students will take End of Course Exams in the following courses:
- English I
- English II
- Algebra I
- Geometry
- Algebra II
- Biology
- Physical Science
- American History
- American Government