Aurora University to host review sessions for state test

AURORA, Ill, October 23, 2007—Aurora University will host review sessions to prepare students for the Illinois State Board of Education Basic Skills Test. The next test is Nov. 3.

The public is invited to the series sponsored by AU's Center for Teaching and Learning.
The schedule is:

• Saturday (Oct. 27): A review from 1 to 4 p.m. will cover math word problems, proportions, algebra, pre-algebra skills, and logic. The location is room 102 of the Institute for Collaboration, 407 S. Calumet Ave. in Aurora.
• Nov. 1: A review from 6 to 8 p.m. will discuss language arts and writing. The location is room 102 of the Institute for Collaboration, 407 S. Calumet Ave. in Aurora.

Students majoring in education and social work who plan to work in public school systems are required to pass the five-hour Basic Skills test to be certified.
Eric Schwarze, center director, said instruction, practice problems, and handout materials are included.
He said the center also provides one-on-one tutoring for the state test to AU students at no charge. He stressed that the sessions are for students taking the Basic Skills Test, not specific subject tests in elementary education, social work, history, and nursing.

According to Schwarze, about 450 students have taken the reviews since their inception in 2004.
The sessions review important concepts, suggest strategies, provide and solve sample problems, and address questions about the test. “A major goal of the sessions is to build confidence and reduce anxiety,” Schwarze said. “This is accomplished in part by helping students realize which skills are beyond the scope of the test so that they may focus just on what is necessary.”

--END--