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The Honors Science Placement Test

Test Dates for 2007-2008

Thursday, May 10th 3:20-4:30 PM
OR
Thursday, May 17th 3:20-4:30 PM

Location--Room M-1 at Hopkins Junior High
Registration is NOT Required



Questions and Answers About the Honors Science Placement Test

  • What is the Honor Science Placement Test?
    • The Honors Science Placement Test is an aptitude not an achievement test. Students are expected to read and correctly interpret excerpts from a variety of science textbooks. This is not a type of test that students can study for.

  • Who needs to take the test?
    • Students who want to be in honors science and who are not GATE identified. These students should have scores above 450 on the Math and ELA portions of their 5th Grade California Standards Test to be eligible to take the Science Placement Test. Students who have scores below 450 on the California Standards Test, should NOT take the placement test. Students who pass the Science Placement Test, must also verify that their 6th grade scores for their California Standards Test are at or above the the 450 level for English and math.

  • My child is GATE identified in reading AND math OR has been GATE identified by District IQ testing. Does he or she need to take the science placement test?
    • No. Your child will automatically be placed in Honors Science, unless you request otherwise. Students who are GATE identified in math AND reading OR were GATE identified by District IQ testing, are NOT required to take this test.

  • Is there anything my child can do to prepare for the test?
    • No. This is an aptitude rather than an achievement test. No preparation is necessary. Students who have not had extensive science training in elementary school will not be at any disadvantage when they take the test.

  • When will the Hopkins Science Placement Test be given?
    • The test will be given on Thursday, May 10th AND Thursday, May 17th between 3:20-4:30 PM in room M-1 at Hopkins. Students may attend on either of those dates. Students who arrive late may not be admitted.

  • Will there be makeup tests?
    • No "makeup" tests will be given.

  • Is it necessary to register for the test?
    • No, students do not need to register in order to take the test.

  • What should my child bring to the test?
    • Students taking the test should bring two #2 pencils, an eraser, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

  • Does my child need to bring evidence of her scores on the proficiency tests?
    • No, that is not necessary. These scores will be verified, if your child passes the placement test. However, please DO NOT bring your child to the test if his or her test scores are below the required standard.

  • When will we know the results of the test?
    • Students will be notified of the results on the exam within two weeks. There will be a delay releasing test scores for students who do not bring a self addressed stamped envelope to the test.

  • What will happen, if my child passes the placement test?
    • If a student passes the placement test, he/she will be accepted into Honors Science pending verification of his/her reading and math scores on the proficiency test. Once those scores have been verified, he/she will be enrolled in an honors science class.

  • My child is qualified to take the test, but I am not sure whether he or she should take honors science. What should we do?
    • Parents are encouraged to have their son or daughter take the exam, if he or she is not GATE identified, but has met the other enrollment requirements. Parents of GATE students are encouraged to have their child take the test if there is any concern about whether his or her reading or math level is strong enough to be successful in honors science.