Test Descriptions

Test Descriptions

Following is a listing of all the different tests given at JDHS.  There is a short description for each test and a link to their website if you have additional questions.  Again you may always call the Counseling Office with any questions at 907-523-1613.

ACT - This is a standardized test for college admissions in the US.  This test is also a qualifier for the Alaska Governor's Performance Scholarship.  This test is available to juniors and seniors.  Registration is done online at http://act.org

AP testing - AP courses are designed to expose students to the rigors of college level courses.  AP helps students qualify for scholarships.  31% of colleges and universities look at AP experience when determining scholarships, and over 90% of four-year U.S. colleges provide credit and/or advanced placement for qualifying scores.  The AP testing usually occurs in mid to late May.  For further information, please go to http://www.collegeboard.com

ASVAB - The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is the most widely used multiple-aptitude test battery in the world.  This measures strengths, weaknesses, and potential for success.  The ASVAB will also provide career information for civilian and military occupations and is an indicator of success in future endeavors.  This free test is available to sophomores, juniors and seniors.  http://www.asvabprogram.com

MAPS - this testing occurs three times a year.  These tests measure academic achievement and progress throughout the school year.  These tests are taken within the school day online.  The Measures of Academic Progress and Primary Measures of Academic Progress are computerized assessments designed to help educators differentiate instruction based on the individual learning needs of students. These assessments are dynamic, in that they will adapt to a child’s academic level during the course of the test. The MAP and P-MAP are individualized for each student, in order to provide a more specific measure of how each student is progressing in achieving the state and national curriculum standards. 

PLAN - this is a pre-ACT test.  This test focuses on both career preparation and improving academic achievement.  This test is available to sophomores and juniors.  Sign up is in the Counseling Office and there is a nominal fee.  For more information go to http://www.act.org

PSAT/NMSQT - is a standardized test which prepares students for the SAT.  Juniors who take the test can qualify for the National Merit Scholarship.  The University of Alaska System is paying for all sophomores to take the test.  Juniors must sign up and pay a nominal fee.  Signups are in the Counseling office.  PSAT/NMSQAT study guides are distributed to all sophomores and given to juniors when they signup. For more information go to http://www.collegeboard.com

SAT - This is a standardized test for college admissions in the U.S.  This test will assess a student's readiness for college, and is also used as a qualifier for the Alaska Governor's Performance Scholarship.  This test is available to juniors and seniors.  Registration is done online at http://www.collegeboard.com.

SBA -Science - This is a standardized test for all sophomores.    This test is usually taken in the spring.

Workkeys -   This test is a job skills assessment system measuring "real world" skills that employers believe are critical to job success.For more information go to http://careerready.alaska.gov/

AMP - Alaska Measures of Progress (AMP) is the new Alaska assessment for students in grades 3-10 statewide. The AMP assessment measures student performance and growth in the Alaska English Language Arts & Mathematics Standards adopted in 2012.  It replaces the Standards Based Assessments (SBA) that students took in previous years. Like the SBAs, students will take the AMP test each spring to help determine their progress over the course of the year. The test has two sections or subtests, English Language Arts and Math. Each section will take most students between 90-120 minutes, but there is not a time limit. The AMP assessment will include advancements in educational assessment including an adaptive, online delivery system. Because there are new standards and a new assessment, AMP scores will not be comparable to SBA scores. Students in the 10^th grade will still be required to take the Alaska Standards Based Assessment in Science.  The SBA-Science is a paper assessment.