Categorized | Education

Students to receive free college test prep courses

MEDIA RELEASE

Education officials have announced a new free SAT/ACT test preparation program now is available to all Hawaii students. During a press conference Friday, Feb. 25 at Roosevelt High School, students “SOAR”ed online and enthusiastically endorsed the college test prep program.

A partnership between the National Military Impacted Schools Association (MISA) and the Hawaii State Department of Education (DOE) will allow students and parents throughout the State of Hawaii to utilize SOAR, or Student Online Achievement Resources, a web-based program that helps families manage their children’s education.

SOAR is a free online program offering testing and tutorials in reading and math for grades 3-12 and free SAT/ACT online test preparation courses.

SOAR connects students studying for the SAT and ACT to The Princeton Review’s comprehensive online college test preparation courses. The interactive online courses contain subject content, test-taking tips and techniques, and information about the SAT and ACT.

“This exciting, new college test prep program covers all of the same great content as the traditional classroom course, but it is delivered through a combination of interactive multimedia lessons and exercises,” said State Rep. K. Mark Takai (D-Aiea, Pearl City). “If a student were to pay for this now free program, it would cost around $300.”

Across the country each year, high school students take the SAT and ACT. Colleges and universities use the test results as an indicator in predicting an individual student’s potential for academic success in post-secondary institutions.

SAT and ACT test preparation programs and materials are quite costly. Thus, many students are often inadequately prepared for the tests due to financial constraints.

“SOAR is an invaluable resource for all Hawaii students,” said Ronn Nozoe, deputy superintendent of education. “This program will play a critical support role in preparing our youth for the rigors of college.”

“During these tough economic times, this free 24/7 online college test preparatory course is a plus for families that are financially challenged and beneficial for self-starters and students with hectic schedules,” Nozoe said.

“High-quality test preparation courses are available to students of all backgrounds, whether they are enrolled in public or private schools, or are home schooled,” Takai said. “The Princeton Review courses will be offered at no charge.”

“SOAR gives Hawaii students who may not have the means to pay for expensive preparation courses the opportunity to get ready for tests vital to their academic success,” said John Deegan, executive director of MISA.

All families and students in the State of Hawaii are now eligible to utilize SOAR due to Hawaii DOE’s membership in MISA and designation as a military-impacted school district.

The Princeton Review (TPR) is a standardized test preparation and admissions consulting company. For 29 years, TPR has helped students achieve with a single premise: Everyone is entitled to the best education. The result for those who have undergone the test preparatory courses is an overall improvement in test scores.

— Find out more:
www.EducationInHawaii.com

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