IN West Jefferson Hills Spring 2020 | Page 37

National Exams American College Testing (ACT) The ACT test covers four academic skill areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science reasoning and also offers an optional direct writing test. The ACT is accepted by all four-year colleges and universities in the United States as well as more than 225 universities outside of the U.S. SAT The SAT is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. The SAT is intended to measure literacy, numeracy and writing skills that are needed for academic success in college. Local Exams Northwest Evaluation Association Measures of Academic Progress (NWEA MAP) NWEA is a non-profit organization that has assessed over 4.5 million students. NWEA has a presence in 49 foreign countries, 50 states, and 3400 districts. MAP tests are important to teachers because they keep track of progress and growth in basic skills. The test scores let teachers know where a student’s strengths are OR if help might be needed in any specific areas. Teachers use this information to help guide individual and group instruction in the classroom. Grade levels, subject areas, schools, and the district will use results to continue to improve teaching and learning and helping each student grow as much as they can. WEST JEFFERSON HILLS ❘ SPRING 2020 35