1. PSAT 8/9

2. The Purpose of our presentation today…
Describe the content and structure of the PSAT 8/9
Test Administration details

3. What is the PSAT 8/9
An assessment given to 8th and 9th grade students which is aligned with the SAT Suite of Assessments.
It tests students in the areas of Math, Reading and Writing.
It is an early indicator of college readiness
It provides detailed performance feedback connected to classroom teaching standards.
Will provide early access to career exploration tools
Benefits
The PSAT 8/9 establishes a baseline measurement of college and career readiness as students enter high school. It also gives students a chance to preview the SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, and PSAT 10 and connect to AP courses.
Math, reading and writing areas are based on real world applications.
For parents it is an early indicator for college readiness. It tells you at this point if your child is on track for college.
Since the test is based on common core standards, it connects to the classroom teachings.
Taking the test gives students access to on-line career exploration tools.

4. SAT Suite of assessments
8th grade
10th & 11th grade
11th & 12th grade
These are a new series of tests created by the collegeboard.

5. Grade Appropriate Areas of Focus: Reading
Inference
Relationships
Graphics

6. Grade Appropriate Areas of Focus: Writing
Punctuation
Sentence
Structure
Graphics

7. Grade Appropriate Areas of Focus: Math
Complexity
Geometry
Probability & Statistics
Trigonometry

8. PSAT 8/9 scores The total score range is 240-1440.
There are two sections that make up the total score: reading/writing test score range = and Math test score range= for a total range of
There are separate scores for reading, writing and language and Math. Each section score ranges from 6-36.
There are cross test scores that include History and science. These areas are imbedded in the reading, writing and language, and math tests. Those scores range from 6-36.
There are 6 subscores also impeded in the test. The assessments report multiple subscores for Reading, Writing and Language, and Math, all ranging from 1 to 15 points. Subscores provide more detail about student achievement.

9. Sample score: Refer to your handout
Sample explanation of what scores will look like.

10. Score reports
Continued score report sheet. Skip #7 and #8.

11.
This slide explains what the scores tell about a student and their scores. The link is hyperlinked to the Khan academy to show parents the website. Navigate it if you can.

12. How to get ready for the PSAT 8/9
Practice classroom skills and learning daily
On the test day, answer the questions to the best of his or her ability. There is no penalty for guessing.
Visit the collegeboard website to view sample questions.
Have a good breakfast the day of the test.
Get plenty of sleep the night before.

13. What to bring the day of the test
Bring 2 #2 pencils. NO Mechanical pencils allowed
An approved calculator:
Four-function calculator
Scientific calculator
Graphing calculator
Make sure Your child knows the following:
Birthdate
Address (many students don’t know this)
4 digit ID #

14. PSAT 8/9 test administration
Test Date: Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Time: 12:30am-4:00pm
Who: 8th grade students
Cost: Free; unless you sign up and don’t show up for the test…then the cost is $10.
Sign ups are happening now…. Sign up with your counselor.
Where: Testing classroom locations will be posted outside of the main office and the media center
DEADLINE TO SIGN UP FOR THE TEST: NOVEMBER 2, 2016

15. For more information
Go to CollegeBoard website at:
Talk with your child’s counselor for further information or to sign up for the test.
Khan Academy website: for practice tests: