PSAT Testing

Hello O. L. Smith Community,

Tomorrow, 2/27, students will be taking the PSAT. This test is not a “brand new” test; it is a replacement test for the Explore test. The Explore Test was the pre-ACT exam, however, since the district has switched to administering the SAT, 8th graders will now be taking the PSAT.

The test will serve as one of many indicators of high school readiness and inform high school teachers of the strengths and areas of improvement for incoming high schoolers. With this information, students will be placed in the classes that are most likely to help them succeed.

Please make sure to get a good night’s rest and eat breakfast in the morning. Students will be going straight to first hour instead of Advisory. Although each teacher has different rules, I will be allowing bottled water and good testing snacks (granola bar, fruit snacks, grapes) for my first hour students during the test. Nothing sugary or messy, such as candy, oranges, etc. A health snack is especially important since 8th graders will be having the 12:26 lunch tomorrow.

The test will last for approximately 3.5 hours and consists of math, reading, and writing. Students will remain with their first hour teacher for the entire test.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Megan Timpf