Assessment Guidelines

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Southwest Academy 1

Assessment Guidelines 2016-2017

knowledge and understanding of environmental and aquatic science, and engineering concepts via the Gateway to Technology® -Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Program. Students learn to use computers as a tool, design and conduct experiments, and collect and analyze data. In Grade 8, students extend their knowledge of environmental and aquatic science by participating in exciting investigations and Chesapeake Bay field studies. Field trips are taken throughout the school year in order to provide students with real-world experiences and opportunities to apply what is learned in the classroom. Students who successfully complete the aquatic science course and pass the final exam will earn one (1) high school science credit.

Magnet Transportation Information: Southwest Academy (Southwest Area)

Transportation is providedonly for students zoned to attend Southwest Academy or Lansdowne Middle School.

Magnet Showcase Event: Wednesday, October 14, 2015 Program starts at 6 p.m.

2016-2017 Assessment Guidelines

Assessment Date: Wednesday, January 13th_{, and 20}th_{, 2016 4- 7 p.m. All Assessments by Appointment}

Individual assessment appointments must be scheduled no later than 12/11/15. Schedule your

appointment online at https://bcpsonlineapplication.com/apply or call the Magnet Office at 410-887-4127 (NOT BOTH).

Unforeseen Illness or Emergency: Parent(s) must inform BOTH the school and Magnet Office immediately if the applicant cannot attend or complete the scheduled assessment due to an unforeseen illness or emergency. Please be aware that assessments will not be rescheduled without documentation verifying the illness or emergency.

Inclement Weather Date: January 27, 2016, at the previously scheduled appointment time

Inclement Weather: In the event that school activities are cancelled due to inclement weather, magnet assessments will be postponed. Postponed assessments will occur on the designated inclement weather date. All emergency closing and cancellation information will be posted on the BCPS automated information line, 410-887-5555. Closings and cancellation announcements will also be made through local media.

Directions to Southwest Academy:

 I- 695 West, take Exit 17, MD-122/Security Blvd East toward Woodlawn.

 Turn left onto MD-122 E/Security Blvd

 Turn right onto Woodlawn Drive.

 Turn left onto Johnnycake Road.

 The school is on the left.

Southwest Academy 6200 Johnnycake Road Gwynn Oak, MD 21207 Magnet Coordinator Kimberly Miller (410) 887-0825 [email protected]

Magnet School for Science and Engineering

Prior to the Assessment

Applicants must attend the school-based assessment for the program to which they applied.

Individual assessment appointments must be scheduled no later than 12/11/15. Schedule your appointment online at https://bcpsonlineapplication.com/apply or call the Magnet Office at 410-887-4127 (NOT BOTH).

Prior to attending the assessment, applicants should review the following skills and concepts:

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Using a ruler to measure distance to the nearest 1/8 inch.

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Calculating time expended in hours and minutes if given a start and end time.

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Using the rate formula for speed to calculate speed, distance, or time

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Understanding basic environmental terms, including: habitat, biotic, abiotic, renewable

resources, non-renewable resources, and natural resources.

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interpreting data provided in graphs

On the day of the assessment, students will participate in an interview. Students may want to consider

the following questions in preparation for the interview:

1. Why do you want to be in the magnet program at Southwest Academy?

2. How are science and technology related?

3. What are characteristics of a good scientist or engineer?

4. Why you’re interested in science and/or engineering?

5. What are characteristics of a good science student?

6. What was your most favorite science activity or project?

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Southwest Academy 3

Assessment Guidelines 2016-2017

The assessment takes approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours It is the responsibility of the parent(s) to:

 ensure that the applicant attends the assessment on the scheduled date and time.

 contact the schools if scheduled magnet assessment appointments conflict.

Failure to attend an assessment WILL result in disqualification.

Registration Information

Students should arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled time. At least one parent is expected to remain at the school until the assessment is ended. The assessment will take approximately 1 to 1 ½ hours.

Applicants

arriving more than 15 minutes after the test start time will not be admitted.

missed appointments will not be rescheduled.

If the applicant cannot attend or complete the scheduled assessment due to an unforeseen illness or emergency, please contact Southwest Academy at (410) 887-0825 and contact the Office Of Magnet Programs at (410)887 - 4127. Please be aware that assessments will not be rescheduled without documentation verifying the illness or emergency.

Assessment Description

Part I – Essay (10 points):

Please bring – Two #2 pencils and an eraser.

The essay will reflect a topic or the demonstration of interest in the applied magnet theme. All students

applying to Southwest Academy will complete and prepare a written essay response on Assessment Day. Using a standard rubric, the essay will be evaluated on how well the response addresses the prompt. Please do not

prepare an essay before the Assessment Day.

See suggestions for writing a good essay on page 5.

Magnet Assessment (50 points)

During the assessment, all students will

1. Participate in a structured 5 question oral interview (20 points), 2. Complete a 10 question multiple-choice test (20 points), and

3. Complete a performance assessment using the computer (10 points).

Magnet School for Science and Engineering

Magnet Events

Magnet EXPO! Saturday, September 26, 2015 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Radisson North Baltimore Magnet Application Meetings

Tuesday, September 15, 2015 6:30 p.m. in Auditorium Milford Mill Academy

3800 Washington Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21244

Thursday, September 17, 2015 6:30 p.m. in Auditorium Kenwood High School

501 Stemmers Run Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21221

Application Deadline Monday, November 30, 2015

Application packets are available at www.bcps.org/offices/omp . Applications must submitted on or before

Monday, November 30, 2015. Late applications are not processed.

You may apply online (at www.bcps.org/offices/omp) or submit a paper application.

 Online applications may be submitted until 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 30, 2015. To apply online, you will need an active email account.

 Paper applications must be postmarked on or before Monday, November 30, 2015. Hand-delivered applications must be received in the Office of Magnet Programs by 3:30 p.m. on Monday, November 30, 2015.

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Southwest Academy 5

Assessment Guidelines 2016-2017

On the day of the assessment, students will be provided with writing prompt and will be asked to

write an essay in response to the prompt. These simple steps will guide you through the essay

writing process:

 Be prepared to write a brief, multi-paragraph essay.

 Carefully read the directions and writing prompt provided by the school.

 Before writing, think about how you want to respond to the writing prompt/directions and

make a list of the major points you’ll want to include.

 Organize your thoughts and major points so your paragraphs will flow in a logical sequence.

 Support your main points with facts, details, and examples.

 Be sure to use complete sentences.

 After you finish your essay, re-read the essay ensuring that you have followed the directions

and have fully addressed the writing prompt.

 Ensure that each paragraph is clear, focused, and well organized.

 Check for correct capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.

 Make needed revisions and write a final copy.