By Melanie Patterson

The North Jefferson News



Students in north Jefferson county will have a chance next month to brush up on their ACT skills.

Angelle Taylor is scheduled to teach a course called Test-taking Tips for ACT at Gardendale High School.

Colleges and universities use ACT scores when considering admission and scholarships for students.

Karen Smith Nix, member of the Jefferson County Board of Education, said the course is useful for both first-time ACT test-takers and for those who have taken it several times.

“Students will learn test-taking tips in the first class session. During the following classes, students will practice tests from different sections of the ACT test,” said Nix. “Just a matter of a few points can make a difference in scholarship money. What you get in return can be hundreds or thousands of dollars.”

Those in the class will use the portable computer lab at Gardendale High School to take practice practice ACT exams during the course.

The course is open to all students in north Jefferson County and is recommended for sophomores, juniors and seniors.

Nix said that Shades Valley High School offers the course at least twice before the ACT is administered each spring and fall.

“I’m hoping we will have as much interest in the north Jefferson area,” she said. If so, Gardendale might offer the course again.

Only 20 students will be admitted into the course.

There is a fee of $95 to take the class, which will be held at Gardendale High School on March 23, 24 and 26 from 3:15 to 5:15 p.m.

Students must pre-register and pre-pay by March 11. To register, call Irwin Community School at 379-5650.