HHS Academics / Testing

Students at Highland High School have the opportunity to participate in several testing categories. Students should take advantage of applicable testing in the areas of career interests/planning, college entrance, advanced placement, and community college placement.

Course content and grading standards vary widely among high schools which makes it difficult for colleges/universities to compare academic records. Testing gives colleges a more objective way to evaluate what students know. Academic testing is intended to supplement, not replace, students' high school records and other information in assessing their readiness for college level work.

Students should take advantage of information provided on ACT and SAT websites related to test preparation, test taking strategies, and practice questions. The best preparation for these tests is student commitment and a solid academic program.

Below is information on testing currently offered to students at Highland High School or other testing sites. Students can receive more information on these opportunities through counseling.

TESTING TIMELINE
9th Grade	10th Grade	11th Grade	12th Grade
No college testing. Students are given information on opportunities that become available. Freshmen are encouraged to visit the Career Center during second semester to start exploring career options.	-PLAN HHS Fall semester	-ASVAB HHS Fall semester -PSAT HHS October -ACT/SAT students self register/choose a test site	-ASVAB (if necessary) HHS Fall semester -ACT/SAT (if necessary) students self register/choose a test site Fall semester -SAT II (if necessary) students self register/choose a test site Fall semester -AP Testing (if applicable) HHS Spring semester -ASSET Students self register at the community college they will be attending - Fall or Spring semester
Spring Semester
-SAT II (if applicable) students self register/choose a test site Spring semester -AP Testing (if applicable) HHS Spring semester

TEST LIST

ACT (National College Entrance Exam)

www.act.org

The ACT is designed to assess students’ general educational development and their ability to successfully complete college level work. The test measures development in English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. Test scores are used by colleges/universities for admission and placement decisions. The ACT website provides information on the test, registration, preparation, frequently asked questions, and much more. Registration information is also available in the counseling office. HHS is not a testing site for the ACT.

AIMS (Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards)

For information regarding AIMS graduation requirements and/or the AIMS Honors Endorsement / Tuition Waiver; please visit the AZ Department of Education website at: www.ade.state.az.us/asd/tuitionwaiver

AP (Advanced Placement)

Students who have taken AP classes at the high school level may choose to take advanced placement exams to earn college credit. The granting of and amount of college credit earned is determined by the institution the student will be attending based on the score received on each test. Information on the Advanced Placement Program can be found on the College Board website. Students are notified of the testing dates and registration procedures. Advanced Placement exams are given at HHS.

ASSET (required for entrance to any Maricopa County Community College)
www.maricopa.edu

ASSET is a placement test designed to identify skill levels in English language usage, reading, and mathematics. ASSET scores are used to insure correct course level placement for incoming students. Students should apply to the community college of choice and complete the ASSET test during their senior year. Prep materials are available in the HHS Career Center. Information on ASSET testing can be found on the Maricopa County Community College website. Limited testing is available at Highland High School. Students should test at the community college they will attend.

ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)
www.todaysmilitary.com

The ASVAB can be taken in grades 11 and 12. In addition to academic tests, the ASVAB assesses vocational aptitudes and identifies career interests. A career-planning booklet accompanies the results. The ASVAB is given free of charge and incurs no military obligation. Students can research possible career options in the HHS Career Center.

PLAN (preparatory test for ACT; highly recommended)
The PLAN is an instrument designed for all sophomores to help guide them in their postsecondary planning. It is part of the ACT testing program and is given at Highland High School. The test includes:

Measurement of current academic development in the areas of English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science reasoning.
Career interest inventory.
Student needs profile.
Career/training options after high school.
Estimated ACT score.

PSAT/NMSQT (preparatory test for SAT (highly recommended) Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)
The PSAT is an instrument designed for juniors as a practice for the SAT. The test measures verbal/critical reading, math, and writing skills that students have developed over the course of their education. The PSAT is a tool to assist parents and students with college preparation and planning. It is part of the College Board testing program and is given at HHS. Students are notified of the testing date and registration procedures. The score report, which includes the return of the test booklet, will have:

Itemized feedback on test questions.
Suggestions on how to improve skills in each area tested.
Information on educational plans.
Estimated SAT scores.
Qualifying information on the National Merit Scholarship Program.

SAT I (National College Entrance Exam)
www.collegeboard.com

The SAT measures students' reasoning abilities in verbal/critical reading, mathematical problem solving, and writing skills that have been developed over the course of their education. Test scores are used by colleges/universities to help determine college readiness and for admission and placement decisions. The SAT website provides information on the test, registration, preparation, frequently asked questions, and much more. Registration information is also available in the counseling office. HHS is not a testing site for the SAT.

SAT II: Subject Tests (not required by all colleges/universities - check entrance requirements)

SAT II Subject Tests are one-hour tests given in the areas of English, history, mathematics, science, and language. They measure knowledge or skills in a particular subject and a student's ability to apply that knowledge. Used in combination with other information, they are used by colleges/universities for admission and placement decisions. Information on SAT II tests can be found on the SAT website. Registration information is also available in the counseling office. HHS is not a testing site for SAT II tests.

Disclaimer: The information contained in the external links from this website are offered as helpful sites for students and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or viewpoints of the Gilbert Unified School District and its employees. In addition, we are not responsible for the beliefs of the aforementioned websites nor take any responsibility for their content.