Test Descriptions

This is a list with a short description of each test given at JDHS.  

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 collegeboard.org

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.  asvabprogramasvabprogram.com/.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. 

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 Juneau School District 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 https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org 

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 https://collegeboard.org

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://www.careerready.alaska.gov/workkeys.html#wwk

PEAKS (Performance Evaluation for Alaska’s Schools) – Students in grades 3-10 take the PEAKS statewide assessment.  The assessment provides information on a student’s understanding of the state’s standards in English Language Arts, Mathematics and Science.  PEAKS results for schools and districts provide information to the public about how Alaska’s schools and districts are performing and to help them improve. For more information go to  https://education.alaska.gov/tls/Assessments/PEAKS.html