Plainfield South High School
Excellence in all we do; Excellence for all we serve.
December 2011

Dear Freshman Parent/Guardian:

Thank you for partnering with us as we all strive to provide every opportunity for your daughter to achieve.  We believe that given the necessary tools and the necessary support that your student can and will create a path that leads to excellence and achievement.  While there are many ways to shape that pathway, one of the most effective ways is to evaluate and support your student’s progress, strengths, and needs using three assessments:  the Explore, the Plan, and the ACT.  Together, these tests are part of an “Educational Planning and Assessment System (EPAS) developed to prepare your student for high school and the transitions she will make after graduation and into college and a career” (www.act.org/epas 2011).

The pathway to success and achievement is paved with high expectations, challenging curriculum, and personal support through every year that your daughter attends Plainfield South High School and strives for success.  Specifically, the pathway to success and excellence represents all of the essential elements students need for their future academic and professional endeavors.  We believe that students and their families who plan the pathway and take advantage of all that it offers will be prepared for the future.  The pathway is a plan that includes rigorous coursework, the Explore, the Plan and the ACT tests, a variety of supplemental and intervention options, and a blueprint for the future. 

Pathway to Success and Excellence and the Future (for all students)                                         The Explore, the Plan and the ACT assessments measure our students’ knowledge and achievement because they are aligned to the College and Career Readiness standards created by the ACT organization.  No matter what path you and your child dream of, these standards will not only support, but also enhance those goals.  It is typical for students to grow one to two points per year if they are involved in a challenging core of classes each year.  Colleges and universities use the ACT for admission and scholarship decisions.  Students interested in joining the military or gaining skills and certification through an apprenticeship program will be well-prepared for the aptitude and entry tests after participating in the EPAS program that culminates in the ACT test.
                                                                                                                                                           
The results of the Explore test taken by your student on November 17, 2011, are listed in the table below.  The table outlines your student’s performance in each subject area as well as the overall “Composite” score. Use the “Explore Target Score” to determine whether your student is meeting subject area expectations.  Please take the time to review these results with your student.  In the math, science and English classes, your student has spent several days deciphering her results on each test.  She will be able to describe each test, how she did on the test, and how she plans to improve on the next Explore test in April 2012.
           

Subject Area	Explore Target Score	School Scale Score Avg.	Student Scaled Score	Current Cohort Performance Avg.
English	14/25	16.51/25	Specific to Each Student	Exceeds
Math	18/25	17.91/25	Specific to Each Student	Below
Reading	16/25	16.20/25	Specific to Each Student	Meets
Science	20/25	17.09/25	Specific to Each Student	Below
Composite	17/25	17.06/25	Specific to Each Student	Meets

                                   
Student’s Scores:                                                                                                                                                                            
The scores illustrate how well your student is meeting the current standards according to the College and Career Readiness standards (www.act.org).  This skill demonstration will help us to determine what courses she needs to enroll in, what interventions, supports and supplements we need to provide, and how you can support your child’s academic growth and success.  Between your family and your PSHS family, we must continue to create a partnership that benefits your student.  Listed below, you will find a variety of ways that we can all contribute to the achievement of your student.

Supporting and Nourishing the Pathway to Excellence

Parent Web Module
PSHS Staff List

Thank you for your diligent attention to your student’s educational pursuits and future dreams and goals.  Like you, we want your daughter to be successful.  If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to ask any PSHS staff or faculty member for assistance or contact your child’s Guidance Counselor at 815.577.5527.  You and your student can also find further information for enhancing and improving her EPAS journey from formation to achievement at www.psd202.org/pshs/PathwaytoSuccessandExcellence.php    .

Sincerely,

The Pathway to Success and Excellence Team

Plainfield South High School