TJ Students are given opportunity to prepare for the ACT.
Artwork by Katie Boyer
In order to help Juniors get ready for the ACT test in April, TJ is offering preparation courses starting Tuesday, February 8 at 3 p.m. in room 134. Science Teacher and ACT Prep Coordinator Kirk Hammond said, “I see preparatory courses for the ACT as an important need for the school to improve college readiness in students.”
The Colorado ACT will be administered on April 27, 2011 at TJ for all Juniors. Assistant Principal and part of the ACT Preparation Team Scott Lessard stated, “We recognize the need for students to prepare for the ACT, so we’ve decided to start these courses early. It’s good for the kids and we hope to max the ACT scores this year even more so than last year.” Though the test is months away, preparatory classes will start February 8, when more information regarding the course can be obtained. Afterward, students will have a choice whether to attend the Tuesday sessions or the Thursday sessions, each from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. As the date of the test comes near, sessions will be held twice per week and a Saturday option will be considered.
With this being the second year Hammond has offered his time to help students prepare for the ACT, changes have been made from last year. Hammond commented, “Last year we teamed up with College in Colorado to do online guides and practice tests. This year, students will work out of books called The Real ACT Prep Book.” To offset the cost of the preparatory materials there will be a $20 charge for Spartans participating in the ACT prep course. Students who complete the course will receive a financial incentive yet to be determined, but it will be valued at a minimum of $25, such as gift cards, for those who complete the course. Also, students who complete the course will receive 2.5 elective credits.
It is expected that the ACT preparatory classes will fill quickly as the cost of participation is significantly lower than comparable courses through private agencies. Junior Cameron Montes said, “I’m definitely interested in taking the ACT prep course. I’m a bit nervous for the ACT, but the classes sound very helpful in showing me what the test will look like so I can stress less.”
If students are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity and attending these courses, they should contact Scott Lessard at Scott_Lessard@dpsk12.org or Kirk Hammond at Kirk_Hammond@dpsk12.org for more information.
