8th Grade Test Prep Class with Mrs. Terrasi

Test Prep Class

Mrs. Terrasi will again offer a test prep enrichment class.  Please see the details below:

Purpose: To review test-taking strategies and possible test content and structure and to build confidence and increase comfort level.

4-Session Course Dates and Times: The current plan is to hold in-person sessions (different sessions for each cohort in their classroom) as follows (still pending confirmation for the dates):

8A:  Thursdays from 3:15 - 5:15:  9/17, 9/24, 10/1; and Tuesday, 10/6 from 3:15-5:15

8B:  Fridays from 3:15-5:15:  9/18, 9/25, 10/2; and Thursday, 10/8 from 3:15-5:15

Make-up (arrangements must be made in advance for this - no drop-ins):  Saturday Zoom from 8 - 10 AM:  9/19, 9/26, 10/3, and 10/17

**Items in italics are dates that have changed from what was published on 9/4 in the High School Update Newsletter.

Location (except the make-up classes): Each cohort’s Advisory room

Cost: $150.00

Materials: pens, pencils, paper

Instructor: Donna Terrasi

Details About the Course:

  • Materials for the course are designed by Mrs. Terrasi, compiled over the course of many years and updated each year based on current research and test updates/modifications.

  • The practice tests that students take in the class will all be for the HSPT (which is the admissions test administered by all of the Catholic high schools). However, the strategies discussed are applicable for any test, and the sections reviewed are common to most standardized tests (reading comprehension, language, vocabulary, math concepts, math application/problem-solving).

  • One test known to have a unique section very different from other standardized tests, is the ISEE for the independent schools (Latin, Parker, etc.). Some separate handouts and practice tests will be made available for the students who will be taking that test and would like additional resources.

  • Please note that there are no practice tests for the Selective Enrollment exam specifically (despite what some tutors and test prep programs will tell you), as they don't publish what test they use - rumor has it that they've developed their own. They even have the disclaimer "buyer beware" on the OAE website regarding test prep programs that claim to be designed for their test.

  • Feedback from the students who have taken both the HSPT and the Selective Enrollment exam is that the HSPT is a bit harder, and prep for the HSPT prepared them for the other.

Specific registration details are coming soon!!  If any type of quarantining or distance learning becomes necessary, classes will still happen but via Zoom.