Frequently Asked Questions

The redesigned SAT will report three test scores, each on a scale ranging from 10 to 40: Reading, Writing/Language, and Mathematics. Each test will report multiple subscores; in mathematics, the subscores include Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, and Passport to Advanced Math. Each of the subscores will be reported on a scale ranging from 1 to 15. Additionally (pending the results of research), the redesigned SAT will also report two cross-test scores: Analysis in History/Social Studies and Analysis in Science. Each of these scores will be reported on a scale ranging from 10 to 40. Please click the link, Delivering Opportunity and the Redesigned SAT from the College Board to learn more about SAT score changes.

At this time, there is no information from College Board regarding the format of the open-ended questions, how they will be answered (platform) or how they will physically be scored. We will keep you updated as the SAT releases more information.

Yes, the PSAT will be redesigned. It will take effect in October 2015.  From the College Board:  “Yes, the PSAT/NMSQT will change together with the SAT and is planned to launch in October 2015. This schedule will allow students to take the redesigned PSAT/NMSQT before the redesigned SAT. As with all work on the assessment redesign, quality is of paramount importance. We are working closely with our cosponsor, National Merit Scholarship Corporation, to release an assessment and scholarship resource that ensures students are recognized for and take advantage of the opportunities they have earned.” Please click the link, Redesigned SAT FAQs from the College Board to see multiple Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the redesigned SAT.

No, the ACT is not being revised at this time.  The PLAN and Explore assessments have been replaced by the Aspire. This is the ACT assessment for grades 3-10, the precursor to the ACT.  In high school the Aspire is normed for 9th and 10th grade students.  The Aspire is administered in the Spring and the Fall.

Geometry concepts are included in the “Additional Topics” category in the redesigned SAT, which accounts for 10% of the total questions.  Geometry is not emphasized as heavily on the redesigned SAT, but is an integral part of the progression of courses in the Common Core.  The 43 standards in the Geometry conceptual category for Common Core are included in both the Integrated and Traditional Pathways (as outlined in Appendix B of the Common Core Standards) and are intended to support the important connections made in the Algebra 2 standards between geometric and algebraic modeling. DoDEA will continue to consult research regarding best practices and to gather data from the field before a decision is reached as to what course pathway will be followed.  For additional information, please click the link, http://www.achieve.org/mathpathways.

The changes in the SAT exam are in response to the Common Core State Standards for mathematics which have been adopted nearly nation-wide over the past several years. The mathematics learning outcomes for all secondary students nation-wide have been raised to align with the Common Core State Standards; assessment on those standards begins through state accountability requirements in Spring, 2015. Thus, College Board is raising their expectations of student mastery to align with the advancing assessments which states will be implementing over the next couple of years. DoDEA has provided this SAT training as an early step toward connecting current classroom instruction and the future high expectations of student learning outcomes on the College Board SAT exam with the upcoming implementation of the DoDEA CCR mathematics standards.

In the redesigned SAT, the test is focused on a core of mathematics “examined with the range of rigor required for students to be college and career ready, addressing at the same time procedure, understanding, and application.  Rather than covering a broad number of topics that most students will never see again, the test focuses on a deep core that students can draw upon again and again in their schooling, college, and career.  At the same time, the assessment includes pure math problems that focus on abstract reasoning essential for success in solving diverse problems and engaging in demanding disciplines.” Please click the link, Test Specifications for the Redesigned SAT from the College Board to access the complete report (PDF).

This definition is directly in line with that of the Common Core Standards for Mathematics.  Rigor in Common Core is characterized by the interplay of 3 key components:  conceptual understanding, procedural skill/fluency and application.  As with the shift in the SAT, rigor does not imply that math is simply harder or expected to be mastered at a more rapid pace.  Rigor in this sense indicates that students understand the mathematics (rather than simply focusing on memorization or tricks), have procedural skill and fluency with math foundations, and are able to apply these understandings and skills to higher level problems (both from  the real world and mathematically).   Students need time to think and struggle with important mathematical concepts and a chance to write and present their mathematical arguments to peers.

As teachers focus on shifting mathematical sense-making and problem solving to their students, they pose more complex tasks which require students to model mathematically, use technology, create and defend mathematical arguments, and critique the reasoning of others.  These competencies, outlined in the Standards for Mathematical Practice in the Common Core Standards, represent the instructional shift in rigor required by the redesigned SAT. Please watch the video below to learn more about the instructional shift, rigor, in mathematics.

Common Core Instructional Shift in Mathematics: Rigor from NYC DOE Promising Practices on Vimeo.

The Standards for Mathematical Practice (SMPs) found in the DoDEA College and Career Ready Mathematics Standards, outline mathematical “habits of mind” in which all students, Pre-K –12, are expected to engage. 

The SMPs include students making sense of problems and persevering in solving them, abstractly and quantitatively reasoning, constructing viable arguments and critiquing the reasoning of others, modeling with mathematics, using tools strategically, attending to precision, looking for and making use of structure, and expressing regularity in repeated reasoning.

As DoDEA transitions to the implementation of the College and Career Ready Mathematics Standards, classroom teachers at every grade level and across content areas will begin working with students to develop these thinking strategies during the instructional day.  This is one area where the instructional expectations of 21st century practices can be included at every grade level to develop conceptual and procedural understanding of important mathematics which results in fluency and the ability of students to solve and apply real world problems.

It will be important to coordinate our transition to College and Career Ready Standards and Common Core with the changes required by the College Board for the redesigned SAT.  For example, Geometry is not emphasized as heavily on the redesigned SAT, but is an integral part of the progression of courses in the Common Core.  The 43 standards in the Geometry conceptual category are covered in both the Integrated and Traditional Pathways (as outlined in  Appendix A: Mathematics of the Common Core Standards) and are intended to support the important connections made in the Algebra 2 standards between geometric and algebraic modeling. DoDEA will continue to consult research behind best practices and to gather data from the field before a decision is reached as to what course pathway will be followed.

From College Board – “We are happy to announce that we have partnered with Khan Academy to provide free test-preparation programs and resources that will be available to all students.  In our partnership with Khan Academy, we will continually work together to ensure that the practice materials are of the highest quality and truly focus on the work that matters most.  And we will train tutors, counselors, mentors, and others to help students take full advantage of these resources…Once we have materials to help our current SAT takers prepare, we will work closely with our partners at Khan Academy to provide a whole suite of materials to support the redesigned SAT.  Students will be able to review and reinforce the topics covered on the exam and find out what to expect on test day…Practice materials for the redesigned SAT will be available in Spring 2015.”  Please click the link to learn more: https://www.collegeboard.org/delivering-opportunity/sat/practice.