As the third quarter of the school year approaches, many juniors have noticed a change in their schedules that has raised some controversy. Junior Seminar, the latest addition in the students’ scheduling, is meant to increase ACT test scores by distributing exercises produced by John Baylor.

The course aims to increase scores by 2.5 points, according to the John Baylor website.

However, students who have taken outside courses or are content with their scores don’t feel the need to attend these classes.

A few students have mentioned that the course could have a positive outcome; other students have expressed their enthusiasm and appreciation for a “free ACT practice.”

Other students think that the course “should not be mandatory” and that “the decision should be up to the student.”

This also takes away from study hall periods, which students find useful and productive.

Either way, if one wants their voice to be heard, they may speak with their counselors.

If you want to know more information, read the following interview I conducted with Prairie Ridge’s principal, Dr. Koch.

How does the scheduling work?

Junior students will have a change in schedule that will account for Junior Seminar. The purpose of this period is to attend the John Baylor ACT prep course, which is predicted to raise the scores for students at Prairie Ridge. Exclusive only for the Junior class, the class is meant to be taken one day a week, probably between Tuesday and Friday throughout third quarter as stated by Dr. Steven Koch, PR’s principal.

What about the students who don’t have a commons period?

The staff has not finalized the scheduling mostly due to conflicts such as this. To address these issues, it is being handled “case by case.” If particular problems exist that are inevitable, PR’s goal is to work around this obstacle and make sure the material is obtainable elsewhere. Resources will hopefully be accessible from home and at school.

What should the students who have a commons every other day do?

This is a question that cannot be specifically answered, due to the many different unique circumstances each student possesses. However, the first step towards scheduling is by creating the periods in which the course will be offered. Secondly, students will be fit into the classes. Separately, the remaining students with conflict issues will be factored in.

What can students expect during Junior Seminar? Will there be homework?

The whole point for the Junior Seminar is to prepare student for their lives after high school, and the course will introduce a new perspective. It will focus on the content of the test. In addition, the course involves a video component. Here, the students will do some exercises, but the class will not count for a grade, neither will the class work inside of it. Not wanting to add any more homework to the regular classes students will take, homework will not be included.

Why trust the John Baylor test prep course?

John Baylor has a lot of positive results.” It’s something the district has done a lot of homework and research on.” As reviewed by students, champion faculty, and other observers, the course stands out and will hopefully prove extremely useful. “Prairie Ridge has heard of it’s consistent track record from other schools as well. From the mouth of the consumer, it is something that will be worth time.”

His website says that the average score increase is 2.5 points. How rigorous would you say this course is?

“We do believe that he does a nice job of helping kids to better understand the content that’s tested and also understand the test itself.” John Baylor’s attitude towards the test is very straightforward and positive, almost as if he was not approaching, but tackling the test. “He teaches how to look at questions and answer differently” as well as develop individual strategies that work best for every student. “That’s how he gets the results that he gets.”

Do you think PR students will react well to this?

“I’m very hopeful that when they hear him speak when we bring him in, they will understand the motivation we had to bring him in.” We know that nobody is excited about standardized testing, but the test is a big key in the future. “About 93 percent of students who attend Prairie Ridge continue their academic courses in post-secondary education”, and a higher score opens more doors. We hope students can recognize the value that this prep course will have.

Why is it mandatory?

This is something the faculty at Prairie Ridge believes that the juniors will benefit from, like everything else they do. “The benefit is believed to be very real and tangible and can affect futures directly.” The ACT is an important factor that needs to be stressed, especially since GPA scores cannot be controlled.

What if they want a commons period instead or have taken the test already?

There’s parts of the program that allow students to be exposed to more knowledge. “If students want to have conversations about their scheduling, then the faculty is open to having conversations about what they would like to do and what they would not like to do.” At this point, there are no absolutes.

How do you respond to students who ask “Shouldn’t the students have a say in where they distribute their time?”

“We would be willing to listen to them.”

Finally, how much does this cost PR?

There’s a subscription cost, a cost to bring him in, and there’s negotiations that are in action to reduce the price. The price has been lowered since there is a deal being struck between all four schools in the district. Although we were the last school to finalize our decision to be involved with the program, we wanted to make sure that this decision was the best decision for our students.