Putnam County Schools officials urging students and parents to utilize available resources and establish healthy routines to reduce anxiety ahead of upcoming ACT testing.
Putnam County Schools Data and Testing Supervisor Jason Stickler said students will take the free assessment through the school system in the coming days. Teachers have spent the year equipping students with the necessary content knowledge to succeed on the exam.
“We want students to be confident in what they know and what will be required of them when they begin the test,” Stickler said. “And we know that just taking some time to review beforehand can reduce some of that test anxiety and allow them to really focus on the content alone.”
Stickler said students can access free practice tests and sample questions online at the ACT website to familiarize themselves with the latest enhancements. Maintaining a consistent routine, getting a good night’s sleep, and eating a good breakfast in the morning can have a beneficial impact on test performance.
“You know, a student not going into that test just blindsided, parents sitting down and having a conversation about students doing their best on the test and knowing that it is an important test,” Stickler said. “You know, we know that the ACT can open doors for students when they start to explore post-secondary options when they graduate.”
Stickler said preparation begins years prior to the eleventh grade by studying Tennessee State Standards that apply to the assessment. Building administrators and counselors work with students closer to the test date to present resources and explain how the questions will be asked.
“Knowing what the test is going to look like, how the questions are going to be asked, that’s very, very important and if we miss that mark, we may not perform as well,” Stickler said. “So preparation is the key going into the ACT.”
Stickler said scores will be available relatively quickly on each student’s online portal or through their school counselor. Families can then evaluate how the results impact college admissions and potential financial assistance.
“We have no doubt that our students are going to perform exceptionally well and again just open those doors for limitless possibilities after graduation,” Stickler said.
Stickler said students who wish to retake the exam after the initial free school assessment in 11th grade, can re-take a second time for free their senior year in October or can register online to re-take the test through national assessment test centers.