A “high performing/low income” NJ high school:
At some point during their junior year, the students are given a booket and told they’ll be taking that test at the end of the week. They take the test. They’re told they can retake the test later if they wish. Expectations are that they’ll go to the local community college anyway if they go to college, so scores aren’t important, especially since most students are below grade level and almost all who would go to college would start in remedial classes. School average is about 1100 (CR+M+W) which for a NJ low income school is considered good apparently. Not many students retake the test senior year. Those who take the test senior year are those who hope to attend a 4-year college. Most don’t know you’re supposed to “prep” for it, most learn about the test the week it takes place, and taking the test “for real” junior year doesn’t occur to them nor is it advised.