8 SHS students score platinum on Work Keys test

Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Sikeston High School students who scored “platinum” on the ACT Work Keys test were: Jonathan Burton (construction block, engineering, accounting); Kiersten Chessor (health occupations block); Emily Boyd; Madison Hicks; Beyonce Hightower; Rory Jaynes; Ethan Presley; and Clark Steward.
Submitted photo

SIKESTON — Eight Sikeston High School students scored “platinum” on the ACT Work Keys test.  

“For the students, they can proudly share their score on job and scholarship applications and their resumes,” said Heather Self, SHS freshman counselor. “They can also share it with their trade school or college entrance advisers to discuss the possibility of earning an elective credit.”

“Platinum” level signifies an individual has scored at least a level 6 on each of the three assessments and has the necessary skills for 99 percent of the jobs in the WorkKeys Job Pro database.

“For our city, it helps solidify us as “Work Ready Community” and make us more attractive to new businesses,” Self said.

The students who scored “platinum” were: Jonathan Burton (construction block, engineering, accounting); Kiersten Chessor (health occupations block); Emily Boyd; Madison Hicks; Beyonce Hightower; Rory Jaynes; Ethan Presley; and Clark Steward.

“We had nearly 140 students voluntarily take the test this year,” Self said. “The majority scored a bronze or higher, earning their National Career Readiness Certificate. All students can report this on job applications and to their trade school or college entrance advisers.”

The Missouri Job Center and the Sikeston High School partnered together to make this test happen. The partnerships the school and community have continue to grow and continue to provide more opportunities for our students to succeed after high school.

ACT WorkKeys assessments look at career readiness, and gauge foundational soft skills. The test scores are used to determine aptitude for a specific career, or to demonstrate expertise to future employers.

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More information on the Work Keys test and the impact in had on our community can be found at the following links:

Scores:

https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/workkeys-for-job-seeker...

Scott County:

https://www.workreadycommunities.org/MO/201