The exam is typically offered to high school first-year and sophomore students, or, you know, human beings who aren’t old enough to legally drive in most states. Local schools have been encouraging students to use that resource. But the PSAT given this month – on Oct. 14 and Oct. 28 – will follow the redesigned format. Key changes include: Questions about obscure vocabulary replaced by reading and writing sections that focus on relevant words and citing evidence in texts; a math section that focuses more on algebra; an optional essay; and no more scoring penalties for wrong answers. “They’re learned”, reflecting that the Board has paid attention to years of criticism that high scores reflect parental income more than ability. Up to 50,000 of those students will have scores that qualify for an award.
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The PSAT/NMSQT also connects students to opportunities such as Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) courses, almost $180 million in scholarships and – because of the College Board’s partnership with Khan Acadeny-personalized practice for the new SAT which will be first administered in March 2016.
The SAT and preliminary assessments were redesigned to better reflect the necessary skills and knowledge students need to succeed in college or in their careers, College Board officials wrote in a press release.
But many students don’t study for the PSAT.
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So if the “rich kids prep” explanation can’t completely account for their SAT advantage, educators and test makers alike will have to tackle a far messier task: creating equal opportunity for K-12 students in the classroom all year long, not just on test day.
