Interpreting SAT and ACT Scores for 7th Grade Students

The score report sent to 7th Grade Talent Search participants from the appropriate testing organization (College Board or ACT) allows families to compare their child’s scores with all students who tested, including college-bound high school students (for the SAT and ACT). In order to get a more accurate picture of the level of achievement of 7th Grade Talent Search participants, Duke TIP compiles a Talent Search Results Summary. This report will be mailed to you in May and allows you to compare your child’s scores with other Talent Search participants.

If you have not received your score report, you should contact the appropriate testing organization by June 30th.

Recommendations

The scores on above-level tests will help parents and schools evaluate a child’s current curriculum and develop an education plan that is commensurate with the child’s abilities. Keep in mind that 7th Grade Talent Search participants have already exhibited exceptional performance by scoring at the 95th percentile or above on grade-level assessments. Many parents may already be aware of the need for their children to be further challenged in the classroom. Following are some educational options that might be appropriate for children based on their above-level test performance in relation to other students the same age.

Scores at the 49th percentile or below on above-level test:

• Enrichment in the strength area at school and during summer
• Independent study on a topic of interest
• Advanced-level classes at grade level
• Curriculum compacting—students “compact” or eliminate material already mastered from the curriculum, thus allowing them to complete subject material in a shorter time span. The time that is freed by compacting can be used for more challenging learning opportunities
• Continuous progress curriculum (Flexible Pacing)—the content and pacing of curriculum and instruction are matched to the student’s abilities and needs. Students are pre-tested and begin learning right where they are ready. Students are able to advance as they master the curriculum.
• Academic competitions in the strength area
• Tiered assignments—assignments within the same lesson plan which are structured at varied levels of complexity, depth and abstractness to meet the need of students with diverse abilities
• Learning or Interest Centers—a designated area or portable center designed to enrich a student’s interest in a given content area. These centers can supplement curriculum covered in the classroom, as well as provide information on a variety of topics not formally covered.
• Seminars—a small groups of students meet to learn more about topics that are not covered in the regular classroom or to expand on a topic that they have learned about in class

Scores at the 50th percentile or above:

• All of the above plus:
  • Mentorship in the strength area
  • Participating in an accelerated educational program during the summer or on weekends
  • Advanced or honors-level courses at or above grade level
  • Single subject acceleration—advancing to the next grade level in a particular subject area (i.e., enrolling in high school math while still in 8th grade)

Scores at the 75th percentile or above

• All of the above plus:
  • Concurrent or Dual Enrollment—students are enrolled in elementary school and middle school or middle school and high school, or high school and college simultaneously
  • Whole grade acceleration—advancing to the next grade level in all subject areas
  • Early entrance into college
  • Specialized school for highly gifted students

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