What is the the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET)? There are three high school equivalency exams, the GED (General Equivalency Diploma), the HiSET (High School Equivalency Test), and the TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion). The HiSET is a state-issued high school test and is an alternative to the standard GED exam. The HiSET is more flexible than the GED and the TASC and is offered in several formats and languages. It is also the least expensive test available for a high school equivalency test and costs vary from state to state. Which states offer the HiSET Exam: The HiSET Exam is available in California, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Wyoming. The HiSET credential is valid in all states. Which subjects are on the HiSET and what is the passing score? The HiSET Exam measures the following five levels of high school education: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science. Each section is worth 20 points and students must receive at least 8 correct answers in each section and a combined score of 45 in order to pass the test. Students must score in the 60%. The HiSET, once passed, will give students the equivalent to a high school credential, or diploma. The HiSET is also considered the equivalent to the GED or the TASC credential. How can tutoring help students prepare for the HiSET Exam? The HiSET Exam was redesigned in 2015 and is based on Common Core Standards. Students must understand these standards in order to pass the HiSET Exam. Private, one-on-one tutoring can help students understand the Common Core Standards. Tutors can run students through typical question types seen on the actual exam. There are many tutors that specialize in high school equivalency exams, and they are able to help ensure that sudents are prepared in all five sections of the exam. Contact Elite Home Tutoring for questions and additional information concerning the HiSET Exam, www.elitehometutoring.com
There is quite a buzz in the air concerning the new SAT. The current SAT will be available until March 2016; after this date only the new SAT will be available. How is the “new” SAT effecting education, high school, college entrance, and tutoring? The new SAT and Education: The new SAT will implement the Common Core Standards. Student’s abilities in math, reading, and writing will be tested and measured. Students must master these standards in order to score well on the new SAT. Educators teaching these standards face increased pressure, especially since the new SAT will debut early next year. Teachers must help students gain a deeper understanding and guide them in applying their understanding and knowledge in day-to-day and real-life situations. The new SAT and High School: Current high school students must be prepared in advance for changes in the new SAT. Some students may have the option of taking both the current and new SAT exams. Freshman and sophomores have the option to take both. Current juniors and seniors will not need to take the new SAT and will take the current SAT, since the new exam will not be implemented until 2016. The new SAT and College Entrance: In order to gain the best entrance scores, students must do well on the new SAT, which is more challenging than the current SAT. The questions are harder and will take longer to answer. The essay will be optional, although it will be a more challenging. Some math sections will no longer allow caculators and students will see more algebra problems. Understanding Common Core Standards and the ability to implement these standards are the key to success with the new SAT. The new SAT and Tutoring: Private educators, such as tutors, have already experienced an increase in inquiries from students and parents concerning the new SAT. It is important to get ahead of the game now since students will no longer be able to “cram” for the exam. The time in now to start preparing for the new SAT! Contact Elite Home Tutoring for questions and additional information concerning the “new” SAT, www.elitehometutoring.com
What is Everyday Math? Everyday Mathematics is a curriculum created to align the Common Core State Standards and was developed by the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project (UCSMP). Everyday Math includes a comprehensive curriculum and is taught to students from Pre-Kindergarten through sixth grade. How is Everyday Math different from Traditional Math? Traditional math focuses on equations, numbers, and answers; often taught in a one-dimensional manner. Everyday Math follows another set of criteria and requires that students use problem solving techniques in order to solve real-world situations. This approach builds upon the student’s understanding and frequently revisits and builds upon their current mathimatical knowledge.Students are encouraged to apply different methods in coming up with the correct answer. The objective it to give elemantary school students the comptetive edge as they transition into middle school. Why is Everyday Math challenging? The Everyday Math curriculum raises the bar on what students are expected to understand and apply throughout their educational growth. This method of learning requires that students recall current and past knowledge and understanding of mathimatical concepts, while adding to and building their knowledge base. It offers several techniques to problem solving which is important in helping students find the best technique for them to implement in problem solving. Students must show that they can take a problem from the abstract lesson to a concrete answer. What is the role of Everyday Math in the classroom? Everyday Math follows a set of guidelines used in classrooms throughout the United States. These guidelines are meant to help instructors build solid foundations in math during the critical elementary school years. Students will be expected to solve more word problems related to everyday situations. They will take part in small group activities, which may include hands-on exercises. They will also be shown multiple ways to come up with the same solution for a given math problem. Contact Elite Home Tutoring for questions or information concerning Everyday Math, www.elitehometutoring.com
What is Common Core Math? States used to be able to set academic standards for math, which varied greatly from state to state. With Common Core Standards public schools must follow guidelines, or standards. Common Core Math is based on concepts and skills that a student must apply in order to solve real-world math problems. These standards have been implemented from kindergarten through high school (K-12) in more than 42 states. They serve as benchmarks to determine how prepared students are for life in college and in the workforce. The ultimate goal is to make U.S. students more adept at solving real-world problems and be more competitive in the workforce. How is Common Core different from Traditional Math? Common Core Standards require students to use reasoning in real-life situations, whereas traditional math was equation and calculation based. With Common Core math, students must have a solid understanding of the concepts involved in reaching their answers. With traditional math, the student could simply remember tables and memorize answers. Traditional math is about getting the correct answer, whereas Common Core math requires students to demonstrate their deeper knowledge and ability on how they arrived to the correct answer. What is the best way to transition a student into Common Core when they are used to traditional math? Since students must demonstrate a greater and deeper understanding of math concepts used in real-world situations, there is more pressure on them to actually understand the concepts rather than memorizing the answer and coming up with the correct solution. They must now demonstrate their understanding of methods used in reaching the correct answer. This has become a challenge for students and teachers and puts more pressure on them. School books are aligned to these current standards but students still have difficulty applying what they have learned in the real-world problem sections. The best way to transition a student into Common Core math standards is by hiring a professional tutor who is educated in these standards. Contact Elite Home Tutoring for questions or information concerning Common Core Math: www.elitehometutoring.com
The SAT college exam will change to an all-new format in Spring 2016. Current 9th grade students will be the first cohort to take the redesigned SAT. David Coleman, president of the College Board, states that the new SAT would be more closely tied to high school and college curriculum. He also added that the old SAT is “too stressful for students, too filled with mystery and tricks.” The new redesigned SAT will consist of a math portion, evidence-based reading and writing portion, and an optional essay portion. One prominent change is that the SAT is returning to a 1600 scale from the previous 2400 scale. Other changes include removal of the horrendous vocab-in-context, replaced by more common words consistently seen in college and beyond. Above all, students will no longer be penalized for incorrect answers, so no need to leave unfamiliar questions blank! The math section will consist of fewer topics and be more closely related to what students will experience in college with focus on problem solving and data analysis, algebra, and passport to advanced math. In many ways, the redesigned SAT has many similarities with the ACT. For more information contact Elite Home Tutoring! (408) 791-1255