The University High School WYSE team
also has a fine tradition of excellence, having been to the state finals for the last
seven years. The Pioneers were State Champions in the 700 division in 1997 and
in 1999 they were Illinois' first runner-up. In 2001, the
University High School WYSE team returned to the winner's
table taking second place in the Division 700 Academic
Challenge. The 2002 Pioneer WYSE team earned third place at
the state tournament.
To learn more about how the Pioneers measure
up, visit the WYSE website.
2002
University High School WYSE team.
The WYSE team is selected by Mr.
Holbrook and Mrs. Ives who also serve as sponsors and co-coaches. Team selection is
typically made late first semester and is based on classroom performance, student
aptitude, and results of a placement test. Interested students should contact a science
faculty member or talk to Mr. Holbrook or Mrs. Ives.
The Academic Challenge Process
The Academic Challenge is a battery of tests that is
created by Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering and offered to high school students
throughout the nation. Begun in 1975 at John A. Logan College, the tests were originally
entitled TEAMS for Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Math and Science. Subjects tested
include English, mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, engineering graphics and
computer fundamentals.
The tests are now offered by over 45 community colleges
and universities around the state. The tests are designed to present a challenge to the
brightest students and are written by university faculty. They are presented in a multiple
choice format. The student has 40 minutes to complete tests that range in length from 100
questions (English) to 30 questions (Computer Fundamentals).
Test material is drawn from senior high school and
freshman level college curricula so as to present a bridge between secondary and higher
education. Each author produces three tests of increasing levels of difficulty: Regional,
Sectional and State Finals. Tests are submitted for peer review prior to final production.
