Unlike most other states, all of Kentucky’s 8th- and 10th-grade public school students participate in EXPLORE and PLAN assessments. As is often the case with these examinations, when the pool of test-takers is large, overall scores tend to be lower. For the 2009 administration, Kentucky’s overall scores increased in nearly every subject area.
In the 2009 administration, 48,347 8th-grade Kentucky students in 323 public schools took the EXPLORE assessment. The scoring scale for the assessment is from 1 to 25.
In the 2009 administration, 49,589 10th-grade Kentucky students in 228 public schools took the PLAN assessment. The scoring scale for the assessment is from 1 to 32.
The national normative data for EXPLORE and PLAN are based on students who took all four academic tests within standard time limits as part of a national study conducted in Fall 2005.
ACT, Inc. developed College Readiness Benchmarks in English, mathematics, science and reading and applied those to the EXPLORE and PLAN scores. The benchmarks indicate the degree of college readiness of 8th and 10th graders.
ACT, Inc. developed College Readiness Benchmarks in English, mathematics, science and reading and applied those to the EXPLORE and PLAN scores. The benchmarks indicate the degree of college readiness of 8th and 10th graders.
The benchmark scores for EXPLORE are:
§ 13 or higher on the English Test
§ 17 or higher on the Mathematics Test
§ 15 or higher on the Reading Test
§ 20 or higher on the Science Test
The benchmark scores for PLAN are:
§ 15 or higher on the English Test
§ 19 or higher on the Mathematics Test
§ 17 or higher on the Reading Test
§ 21 or higher on the Science Test
§ 15 or higher on the English Test
§ 19 or higher on the Mathematics Test
§ 17 or higher on the Reading Test
§ 21 or higher on the Science Test
Scores by ethnicity and gender followed trends similar to those found in other assessments.
Administration of the EXPLORE, PLAN and ACT assessments, which are provided by ACT, Inc., was mandated by Senate Bill 130 (codified in KRS 158.6453) in the 2006 session of the Kentucky General Assembly. The assessments will help schools focus on meeting academic standards across the entire secondary school program. Scores from the assessments will be helpful in measuring student achievement, gauging their readiness for transition and evaluating school programs.EXPLORE is a high school readiness examination designed to help 8th graders explore a broad range of options for their future. The exam assesses four subjects (English, mathematics, reading and science) and provides needs assessments and other components to help students plan for high school and beyond.
PLAN helps 10th graders build a solid foundation for future academic and career success and provides information needed to address school districts' high-priority issues. The exam assesses four subjects (English, mathematics, reading and science) and is a predictor of success on the ACT.
Both assessments help schools pinpoint areas of weakness for individual students and schoolwide curriculum and make changes to improve learning. Schools will analyze their individual results to inform decision-making.
State law (KRS 158.6459) mandates that the Individual Learning Plans of students whose scores on EXPLORE and PLAN indicate that they need additional assistance in particular subject areas will incorporate strategies to help them improve their performance.
See complete details on district and school EXPLORE and PLAN data by clicking here.
SOURCE: KDE press release.
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