Huntley High School has recently launched a new program for juniors called TenMarks. TenMarks is being used as an ACT remediation program, but is technically math remediation. The class spans eight weeks and takes place during students’ advisories. The program consists of a series of tests taken online, covering Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II.
Students are chosen to participate in the TenMarks program if they score less than three points below a benchmark 23 on the ACT Revolution Prep test.
“Our goal is to get kids interested in [TenMarks],” said math teacher Shelly Kish, who is acting as head of the program.
Math teachers Laura Jenkins, Tanya Cubelo, and Sarah Kuchta are also supervising the students while they take the program.
“The program is an intervention that the school supplies,” said Jenkins. “We try to do everything we can to help students that are struggling.”
During the class, students take a series of computer tests that analyze their skill levels. Once a score above 80 percent on one test is reached, the students can then move onto the next test in the series of three. Once all three tests are finished, students in the program can return to their regular advisories, even before the eight weeks are completed.
Until they complete all three tests or finish their eight weeks, students in the program attend the remediation from Monday to Thursday, and are given a double lunch on Fridays.
Though TenMarks is currently only for juniors, Kish plans on eventually expanding the program if it proves successful.
“It’s kind of like a pilot,” said Kish. “If it works the way I want, then we can offer it to freshman through junior.”
Kish also wants to start remediation earlier so students are more than prepared for the plethora of important exams like the ACT that loom ahead of them.
The district did have to purchase the program, but Kish and Jenkins see the program really paying off in the future. Students are privileged in that they can participate in the program free of charge.
“Some students really appreciate the program because we are offering for free what their parents would have to pay for otherwise,” said Jenkins. “Especially because the program pinpoints individually what skills students need to focus on.”
For more information on the TenMarks program, visit www.tenmarks.com