Montgomery Public Schools successfully hosted our Summer ACAP (Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program), a free summer enrichment program designed to provide a comprehensive preparation for the ACT exam. ACAP aims to equip students with a thorough understanding and strategies to excel in all subject areas of the ACT exam, including math, English, reading, and science.
Students worked diligently to develop essential test-taking skills, such as mastering the usage of the graphing calculator, effective time management, and navigating the passages. The program's goal is to inspire students to think beyond everyday enrichment, fostering a sense of personal growth and empowerment that sets them up for success in the future. By participating in ACAP, students can develop the skills and confidence needed to excel in math, English, reading, and science and prepare for the ACT exam.
MPS Secondary Math Specialist Curtis Rice emphasized that 40% of the ACT comprises material taught before high school. "We focused on essential strategies, such as using the graphing calculator, effective time management, effective reading strategies, analyzing charts," he said. "Above all, it's crucial for students to approach the exam with a positive attitude."
Dr. Kreshay Croswell, ACAP English instructor, added that effective time management is crucial for the exam's English, reading, and writing portions as each area has distinct parameters. "To excel on the exam, it's essential to get students familiar with the different types of passages on the reading portion," she said. "My goal is to help students achieve their desired scores and know what to look for and how to approach each question."
The ACAP program has already made a significant impact on students, not just in terms of their academic performance but also in their personal growth and future opportunities. Lauren Rice, an upcoming junior at Booker T. Washington Magnet High School, shared, "Being a part of this summer program has been incredibly beneficial for me. It has helped me learn to prioritize my time effectively, focus on the questions at hand, and thoroughly review complex charts and graphs. I'm confident that the skills I've developed will serve me well as I pursue my future educational goals, and to a historically black college or university (HBCU) or art school in the future."
Cameron Davis, an upcoming senior at Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School, shared his goals for the program. "I'm considering applying to multiple schools, and the main thing I'm looking to get out of this process is to improve my ACT score. I believe that having a higher score will give me a wider range of options and opportunities for my future. I've already gained confidence from taking the ACT prep test, and I've learned valuable skills such as thinking on my feet and managing time effectively under pressure."
We are committed to providing students with the resources they need to succeed. If you're interested in learning more about the ACT exam, visit https://www.act.org. We wish all students the best on ACT!