What was once called typing class is now known as technology class. Gone are the days where computer class was spent playing Oregon Trail and creating word processing documents. The networked world in which students exist demands an education that prepares students to produce and consume information in a variety of formats. These formats range from text to images to multimedia. Students need a broad variety of fluencies to be prepared for the 21st-century workforce. Even jobs traditionally thought of us being technology light now require someone who has basic computer skills. This article describes those digital literacy skills paramount to success in any career.

1. Coding is a universal language and one that is useful whether a technical career is pursued or not. For example, having a basic understanding of HTML, CSS, and the like creates a shared understanding and a sense of knowing what can and cannot be done with web pages.
2. Collaboration in the online environment requires deliberate Students should be taught basic project management and group work essentials to navigate between multiple platforms. Utilizing tools such as Base Camp or Trello in addition to collaborative functionality through Google Docs allows a student to begin experimenting with effective online collaboration.
3. Cloud Software is an essential part of document management. The cloud is used to store everything from photos to research projects to term papers and music. While students are likely used to saving their pictures, they may not have the necessary processes in place to save their academic work in a way that is discoverable and accessible.
4. Word Processing Software is often used in conjunction with collaboration and cloud software. Google has a suite of products, but there are other options as well. Microsoft Online increasingly integrates with different storage and management solutions such as Drop Box. Each of these platforms works a little differently, and students should have the opportunity to engage with several of them.
5. Screencasting makes it easy for the novice video creator to make simple yet effective videos. This is a useful skill for explaining a topic as well as articulating what you are thinking. Ideal tools for teaching students how to screencast include Screencast-o-Matic and Camtasia. Through screencasting, a student can learn more about making accessible content.
6. Personal Archiving takes into consideration that we leave a massive digital footprint. Without a plan in place to archive this information, it can quickly turn into a web of unfindable and not useful information. Students should be taught concepts such as metadata, tagging, keywords, and categories succinctly and directly to help them start thinking about how they are represented online.
7. Information Evaluation has always been necessary. However, with the ease at which all people can create content and build knowledge, this skill becomes essential. Staying abreast of developments in information literacy and software engineering will paint a holistic picture of online information trends.
8. Social Media Savvy is important because social media serves different purposes depending on the user, the technology, and the identified need. Students need to be given instruction and an opportunity to practice using various social media. For example, students should realize that Twitter is particularly useful for staying current on the latest news in the field while Flipgrid is great at building a sense of community.

Despite the commonly held conception that students are digital natives, research has repeatedly shown that this is not the case. Focusing on the 8 skills described above will guide your students to increased digital fluency where they can act ethically, responsibly, and productively.

 Source https://www.thetechedvocate.org/8-essential-digital-literacy-skills-students-need/

Taking the Test

The admissions test contains three components for math, reading and science.  The math (Quant Q) will have 28 questions with 50 minutes to complete. The reading and science will be tested using the ACT Aspire. The Aspire Reading test has 32 questions with 65 minutes to complete and the Aspire Science test has 40 questions with 60 minutes to complete.  There will be a break between the Quant Q and the Aspire Reading segments of testing.

Total testing time, including time for instructions and questions, is approximately 3.5 hours.

test info https://www.fcps.edu/node/33869

Logistics

All applicants to the freshman Class of 2024 that submit a completed application by the September 27, 2019, deadline are automatically registered to take the Thomas Jefferson Admissions Test. This is the only way to register for the admissions test and all applicants to the freshman class of 2024 must take the admissions tests. This year's tests will be administered on Saturday, November 9, 2019, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending at approximately 12:00 noon.  All applicants will receive a test site email the week of October 28 with detailed logistics for test day, including the following information. 

Source:https://www.fcps.edu/registration/thomas-jefferson-admissions/eligibility-requirements/admissions-testing

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Sources:https://www.fcps.edu/registration/thomas-jefferson-high-school-science-and-technology-admissions/freshman-winter

**Important Dates for 2019 - 2020 Winter Round**

• September 2, 2019 – Online applications available.
• September 27, 2019 – APPLICATION DEADLINE at 4:00 p.m.
• November 9, 2019 – Test Day     
• November 15, 2019 – Accommodations Test Day

• January 17, 2020 – Applicants receive semifinalist pool notification through online system
• January 24, 2020 – Deadline for Applicants to Enter Teacher Recommendation Information  
• February 8, 2020 – Essay/SIS Administration Day
• February 10, 2020 - Deadline for Teachers to Complete Recommendations 
• February 14, 2020 - Essay/SIS Accommodations Test Day
• February 15, 2020 – Inclement Weather date for Essay/SIS Administration
• February 21, 2020 - Inclement Weather date for Essay/SIS Accommodations Test Day
• April 30, 2020 – Final admissions decisions posted (No later than)

Steps to Complete the Application

1.  The applicant must access the Log-In Screen prior to the parent and complete the initial log-in process that includes entry of a parent name and email address.

2.  Parent receives an auto-generated email containing the "link" for them to log-in and create the parent account. This link does expire so parents are encouraged to log in as soon as possible.

3.  TJ Liaison Counselor from the applicant's school verifies math course. (Allow 24 hours, minimum, for this verification to be completed.) Auto-generated email is sent to applicant and parent after verification advising them they may complete the application.

4.  Applicant and parent must both electronically sign and parent must complete payment of $100.  Fee waivers are available upon request.  (Payment of fee does not submit the application.)

5.  Submit the application. 

6.  An auto-generated email will be sent to the applicant and parent advising them that the application has been submitted.

Application Process

Students who apply to TJHSST are beginning one of two parts of the freshman admissions process. 

Part 1 (All Applicants):

• Meet Eligibility Requirements

• If eligible to apply, complete the TJHSST Admissions Online Application
• Take the Admissions Tests (Quant-Q, ACT Aspire Reading and Science) 

Part 2 (Semifinalists Only):

• Complete the Student Information Sheet (3 prompts 1650 characters each) and Essay (1 problem-solving essay 3700 characters each)
• Submit two teacher recommendations

Semifinalists must have two teachers (one 7th or 8th grade math or science teacher and a second 7th or 8th grade teacher of the applicant's choice) complete a teacher recommendation form. The form asks the teacher to reflect on his/her experience with you in the classroom, whether an applicant has particular traits important to the mission and goals of the school, and how an applicant may contribute to the learning environment at TJHSST. 

Source : TJHSST website