Wednesday, May 07, 2008
AP exams added to end-of-year test cadre
Test-taking tips
Before the test
- Eat well.
- Review the whole test before you start.
- Jot down your first thoughts, outline answers
During the test
- Read the directions.
- Answer easy questions first.
- Answer every question.
- Ask questions if your’re question isn’t clear.
- Identify key words.
- Rephrase difficult questions in your own words.
- Organize your thoughts before you write.
- Write neatly.
- Use all of the time you’re given.
- Proofread and edit your answers.
Source: College Board
The state's Standards of Learning exams aren't the only tests students across the valley are taking this week.
High school juniors and seniors will be crouched over papers writing essays and more for a slew of Advanced Placement exams through May 14.
The national AP exams are designed to measure a student's readiness for college-level curriculum after they've completed a course teaching the subject. Popular courses include U.S. government and history, English language composition and chemistry.
If students earn a high score -- measured as a 3 or 4 at most universities -- the students can earn college credit for the class.
The number of students taking AP exams has dipped slightly during the past couple of years in Montgomery County, according to figures from the Virginia Department of Education.
In 2005-06, the most recent numbers available, 531 students took one or more exams. The year before, 562 students took exams. According to county data from the College Board, the organization that administers the exam, 886 AP exams were administered last school year.
Often, students choose to forgo the exams and take dual-credit courses to earn college credit directly, said Diane Naff, interim gifted coordinator for the county.
According to the state, 362 students took college courses in Montgomery County in 2005-2006 academic year. The year before, 312 took the college courses.
Blacksburg students win national scholarship
It's awards time for college-bound seniors, and Blacksburg High student Timothy Gao has received one of the highest.
Gao was named Montgomery County's only National Merit Scholarship winner, according the corporation of the same name. Gao earned $2,500.
Merit scholarship winners are chosen based on their scores on preliminary SATs and accomplishments, among other criteria.
The Roanoke Times
School fundraisers becoming trashy?
Folks in Riner had a community yard sale on Saturday to benefit the school.
People who wanted to get rid of their junk paid $15 for a 10-by-10-foot spot on the field in front of the high school. Money from sale items went to the individual sellers, but Auburn High's Eagle Pride Parent Teacher Student Organization reaped the rental fees charged for the spots. Watch a video of the sale and find out what your neighbors were giving away.
Anna Mallory covers events and issues affecting Montgomery County schools and beyond. If you have information you'd like featured, send them to her at anna.mallory@ roanoke.com.
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