Walla Walla students in grades 6-12 to participate in college visits, ACT testing and academic planning

Walla Walla Public Schools hosts College and Career Week
Students in grades 6-12 to participate in college visits, ACT testing and academic planning

Walla Walla Public Schools, in partnership with WSU GEAR UP, is offering students an opportunity to begin thinking about college, career choices and their future beyond high school through the EXPLORE, PLAN, and ACT program for students in grades 6-11.

Students in grades 8-11 will take the ACT assessment and complete an academic progress report. Students in 6th and 7th grades will participate in local and regional college visits.

"As our teachers and administrators work with students and families in preparation for graduation from high school, we are excited to be hosting a 6-12 College and Career week, providing varied experiences related to information needed to make decisions about post-secondary aspirations," said Dr. Linda Boggs, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. "Between the activities and the test administration, I believe we are the only district in the state of Washington to offer this comprehensive opportunity for all of our students."

Walla Walla Public Schools is working to develop a more comprehensive college and career plan, aligned with our district Strategic Goals. WSU GEAR UP is a critical partner in this process.

"We know that college and career readiness does not happen during one week of specialized activities, but rather on a daily basis, throughout a student's educational career in Walla Walla," Boggs said.

College and Career Week Overview:

• The EXPLORE helps prepare 8th and 9th grade students for their high school coursework and their post-high school choices. EXPLORE includes four multiple-choice tests covering English, mathematics, reading, and science. EXPLORE assessments have content similar to the PLAN and the ACT.

• PLAN serves as the midpoint check of academic progress in high school. It is designed to improve students' preparation for education, training, and work after high school while they still have time to adjust their high school courses. PLAN has content similar to the ACT.

• The ACT is America's most widely accepted college entrance exam. It assesses high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science.

"We are very excited that our students will have this opportunity to participate in a nationally recognized assessment which will provide them with extremely useful information to help guide their future decisions regarding careers and college," said Ron Higgins, Walla Walla High School Assistant Principal.

ACT Testing dates:
- Pioneer Middle School (8th grade only): Tuesday, March 13
- Garrison Middle School (8th grade only): Thursday, March 15
- Sager Middle School (8th grade only): Thursday, March 15
- Walla Walla High School (9th, 10th, 11th): Tuesday, March 20

The ACT® contains five curriculum and standards-based assessments: English, mathematics, reading, science, and an optional writing test. The assessment is used as a college admissions and placement test and measures the skills and knowledge needed for first-year college success. Additionally, the ACT includes a career exploration component that stimulates students' thinking about future plans and relates personal characteristics to career options.

The score reports from all the tests provide comprehensive academic data. These assessments are also excellent career and college advising and academic planning tools for teachers, counselors, and parents.

"We are excited to offer this opportunity to our 8th grade students," said Gina Yonts, Garrison Middle School principal. "We are focused on providing opportunities for all students to create a personal plan for their academic success. The outcomes of EXPLORE testing will allow us to better counsel our students and help them establish plans for their high school and beyond careers!"