TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills)

Beginning in the 11th grade students must pass the TAKS test (reading, writing, math, science and social studies), in addition to receiving the required number of credits, in order to receive their high school diploma. The Texas Education Code (TEC) charges the State Board of Education with establishing the passing standards (performance standards) on the new TAKS test.

TAKS Information Booklets, Released Tests, & Test Dates

CogAT (The Cognitive Abilities Test)

PSAT

10th grade students at Shepton take the PSAT at Shepton on a weekday in mid-October. Taking the test during the sophomore year is excellent preparation for taking the PSAT/NMSQT in your junior year. PSAT/NMSQT stands for Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Taking the PSAT in October of your junior year determines National Merit status.

The PSAT is a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT I: Reasoning Test and SAT II: Writing Test. It contains two 30 minute verbal sections, two 30 minute math sections and a writing section. The test is always administered in October, with results returning in late December. When you get your results back, you can see how your verbal and mathematical skills compare to high school students across the country. This is a very comprehensive report and gives you a clear picture of your strengths and weaknesses on the test.

PSAT Additional Information and Test Dates

Advanced Placement (AP)

The Advanced Placement (AP) Program of The College Board enables students to complete college level studies at Shepton High School and/or Plano West Senior High School. The primary goals of the AP Program are to enrich the secondary school experience of students ready to apply themselves to college level courses and to provide the means by which colleges may grant credit or placement, or both, to students with satisfactory AP test scores.

AP course selection at Shepton is limited to AP Human Geography and AP World History. Students will have many more options of AP courses once they go to Plano West Senior High in the 11th grade.

AP Exams
The examinations are structured to measure three areas- depth of knowledge, completeness of thought, and synthesis of ideas. Approximately 1,200 institutions award credit based on the student's AP exam scores. Exams are graded on a five-point scale with credit usually given for scores of 3 or higher.

AP Exam Calendar and Fees