Perryville High School is offering its 11th grade students an 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.”
A personalized approach
According to Shafer, in alignment with the high school’s goal to support each student’s unique academic and career path, they are providing every high school junior with a chance to take one of three 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.
How each assessment works
ACT: The ACT is a comprehensive college admissions test that measures students' skills in English, math, reading, and science. This test is considered 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 those in the 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 they matter
“Each of these assessments is designed to help our children 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
School recommendation: The school’s counselors and educators will work closely with the students to make recommendations based on their academic progress and future aspirations.
Student input: Students will be given an opportunity to express their preference for which assessment they would like to take.
Family choice: We value parental input and will involve them in the decision-making process to ensure the choice aligns with each family’s goals for their child’s future.
Testing dates and preparation
ACT: The ACT will be administered on March 11.
ACT WorkKeys: WorkKeys will be administered beginning this fall, with the 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.
Parental support
Encourage preparation: Parents need to speak to their child about the importance of these assessments and encourage them to prepare by utilizing available resources and study materials.
Ensure attendance: Parents should make sure their child is present on the test dates to take full advantage of this opportunity.
Stay Involved: The school will send additional information to parents 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 any other information, can contact Counselor Rebekah Lefler at rlefler@pcsd32.com or call the school at 573-547-7500, ext. 1540.
