|
Tallulah Falls School is a college preparatory school that serves grades 6-12. From day one emphasis is placed on good grades, extra-curricular activities and civic duties. Colleges like to see well-rounded students. The Tallulah Falls School faculty and staff are committed to their students to ensure their success in these areas.
Standardized test are an important part of gaining entrance into college. To insure students success Tallulah Falls School has implemented several programs that include taking standardize test starting in the 7th grade and continuing on through the 12th grade. In the 7th grade, students will be introduced to the ACT's Educational Planning and Assessment System (EPAS), which is compromised of three assessments for use at key transition points from 7th grade through 12th grade or college entrance.
These assessments in progressive order are the EXPLORE, PLAN, and ACT. Students are tested in math, social studies, science, and English. Seventh, eighth, and ninth graders will take the EXPLORE. The EXPLORE will help identify academic strengths and weaknesses. These exams should provide our teachers with the tools necessary to improve our students' weaknesses as well as their strengths.
Tenth and eleventh grade students will take the PLAN. This test is designed to measure how well a student is performing in a college preparatory track, midway through their high school career. Because the same score scale is used for all EPAS test, educators are able to track the student's yearly progress. The PLAN is an excellent indicator of how well a student will perform on the ACT.
All seniors and second semester juniors will take the ACT. As with the EXPLORE and PLAN, the ACT test on four main core academic areas: English, math, social studies, and science. In addition, the ACT also consists of an optional writing section that measures high school writing skills.
Extensive research has shown that using EPAS significantly improves a student's readiness for college. The ACT is a college entrance exam. Students that use EPAS are more likely to: score higher on the ACT, be prepared for college, have higher college aspirations, (EXPLORE and PLAN students) take more rigorous college preparatory courses.
Tallulah Falls School also participates in taking the College Board's PSAT and SAT. Beginning in the 10th grade, students take the PSAT or preliminary SAT. This test gives students the opportunity to practice for the SAT and test their academic aptitude to identify strengths and weaknesses. The PSAT will familiarize students with the types of questions asked and the format of questioning. The PSAT assesses students in the areas of math, critical reading, and writing. Weaknesses will be identified and hopefully the student will be diligent in filling that educational void in time to take the SAT. The SAT is given to seniors and second semester juniors. The state of Georgia provides our students with the opportunity to use the College Board's online SAT-preparation class. Who better to prepare students for the SAT test than the organization that produces and scores the test? Students are granted access codes to enter the College Board's website. This occurs formally during the first semester during reading period for our seniors and during the second semester reading period for juniors. Students are able to access this website anytime they have internet capabilities. The online SAT prep courses has eighteen lessons with over 600 questions and 6 full length test that cover the areas of critical reading, math, and writing.
In a highly competitive world we strive to give our students an advantage. Communication is the key. Tallulah Falls School plans several visits to college fairs throughout the year in order to expose students to colleges and their representatives. Tallulah Falls School also invites many colleges to visit our campus to meet students in comfortable, informal settings. This allows for necessary question and answer sessions.
It is recommended that juniors start visiting college campuses in the spring and through the summer. Seniors allowed three college visits during the school year that have to be coordinated through the guidance counselor. Seniors are, however, required to submit at least two college applications by the end of October. "The early bird gets the worm".
The college counseling office provides a plethora of information on colleges around the country and in Georgia. There are several computers available for students to research and apply to colleges online.
It is our responsibility to provide guidance to each student, which means; answering questions, giving advice, recommendations, and information about all the options unique to their situation. In the end, the student not the counselor, neither teacher, nor the parent will take the SAT, fill out the application, write the essay or attend college. This, ultimately, lies with the student.
The college process is an important step for all parties involved. The Tallulah Falls School mission is to provide quality coeducational middle school and upper school programs for both boarding and day students. Emphasis is placed on the development of the intellect, character, and the social well-being of each student. With special emphasis on the student, the school sees itself as a partner with parents in achieving the success of the student.
|
