Principal’s Corner by Mark Grossklaus

 

As fall is coming to a close and we move into winter, we start planning for spring at Albert Lea High School. As many parents know, spring is also known as testing season. Students at Albert Lea High School take Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment tests, also known as the MCAs. Students in eighth, 10th and 11th grade take these tests to help students, parents and the school gain knowledge of how students are doing academically compared with peers throughout Minnesota. We also provide our 11th-graders the ACT test, which is used by colleges and universities in the acceptance process. Our district provides every 11th-grader — at no cost to the student — the opportunity to take the ACT.

Starting in spring 2019, we will allow 11th-graders the opportunity to have three testing options to help them prepare for life after school. All 11th-graders can still take the ACT, but if a student and parents feel their student is not going to go to a four-year college and would look at a community college, such as Riverland Community College, we will allow the student to take the Accuplacer, which will provide information needed for placement at a community college. Another opportunity for students is to take the ASVAB test, which will help them if they are going to choose a career in the military.

By allowing juniors the opportunity to take the ACT, Accuplacer or ASVAB test, our goal is to meet the needs of students in their preparation beyond high school.

For additional information on tests mentioned, please look at these resources:

Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment: https://education.mn.gov/mdeprod/groups/educ/documents/basic/mdaw/mdmx/~edisp/031107.pdf

ACT: http://www.act.org/

Accuplacer: https://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/

Check our website for information about ALHS and different activities.

Always expect the best! Go Tigers!

Mark Grossklaus is the principal of Albert Lea High School.