(GARLAND ISD, TX – September 2, 2015) Wanting to ensure its students are prepared for college, Garland ISD has offered all sophomores and juniors a chance to take the PSAT for free the past two years. This year, even more students will receive that invaluable opportunity. All eighth and ninth-graders will be administered the test Oct. 13-16. Tenth and 11th-graders will take the PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) Oct. 14.
“The PSAT not only helps students identify their strengths and weaknesses so they can choose the right classes in high school. It also provides practice for college admissions exams and several scholarship opportunities,” said Jovan Wells, associate superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment.
While sophomores and juniors have taken the PSAT/NMSQT the past two years, eighth and ninth-graders previously took a career exploration exam. The College Board recently redesigned the PSAT to include eighth and ninth-grade adaptations. Students will also no longer be penalized for wrong answers, giving them the ability to attempt every question.
GISD will host information meetings in September with more details about the new test. All eighth-11th-grade families are encouraged to attend one of the eight offered in English and Spanish.
Students can also prepare for success by taking advantage of Khan Academy. This free online resource offers specific test prep and general subject area practice. It provides personal growth plans as well, once PSAT scores have been received and entered. Visit khanacademy.org/sat and register with a district email address.
Offering a second dose of college readiness this spring, GISD will host its first SAT School Day in March. All juniors will have the opportunity to take the SAT for free at their campus during the school day.
Submitted by Caren Rodriguez Garland Independent School District, Communications Specialist.
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