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New ideas gauge who's ready for college

The Illinois State Board of Education and superintendents across the state are redefining what it means to be ready for college.

This movement aims to leave behind a single test score indicator of college readiness (i.e. a single ACT or SAT score) and develop a system that uses several indicators to determine whether a student is ready to be successful at the college or university level.

Educational leaders are developing a research-based rubric to define new college ready designations. The traditional ACT or SAT score will become just one of many ways a student can show readiness for college.

Other indicators being considered include combinations of GPA, academic measures such as Advanced Placement Exam scores, grades in Advanced Placement and dual credit courses, and career indicators such as attendance, community service and military service.

Dubbed "the gateway to college," research shows that students who are successful in Algebra II are also successful at the college level.

I am greatly anticipating the final version of this work, as we know students are much more than their ACT or SAT score. One assessment does not define their entire knowledge base. Students learn in a variety of ways, and they should be able to demonstrate readiness in a variety of ways. Watch for more information as this research-based work is completed.

Want to learn more? Visit edutopia.org/blog/college-and-career-readiness-redefining-ready-anne-obrien.

Cyber security

With recent cyber attacks in the news and all of our students using wireless devices for schoolwork, I want to reassure our community that our network is secure. Our managed wireless network is password protected and encrypted using Wi-Fi Protected Access, a security standard for the wireless industry.

Once you get connected to our network, our servers and data are protected by a redundant firewall ensuring that no one can get to any data or servers they are not allowed to see.

As our last measure of security, we have a web filter that blocks inappropriate websites and malicious software from being downloaded.

• Douglas Domeracki is superintendent of Community High School District 94. His column runs in Neighbor monthly during the school year.

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