Dear Parents of 8th Graders,
On Tuesday, April 13, 2021, Bryant eighth graders will be taking the PSAT 8/9. Designed for eighth and ninth graders, the PSAT 8/9 will reflect the knowledge and skill areas tested by the redesigned SAT, the PSAT/NMSQT, and the PSAT 10. The PSAT 8/9 test is given by the State of Michigan to eight graders throughout the state and is used for accountability and instructional purposes.
On the PSAT 8/9 assessments, students will encounter:
- Continued emphasis on reasoning alongside a clearer, stronger focus on the knowledge, skills, and understandings most important for college and career readiness and success.
- Greater emphasis on the meaning of words in a variety of contexts and on how word choice shapes meaning, tone and impact.
- Focus on math that matters most, including problem solving, data analysis, algebra and advanced mathematical concepts.
- Rights-only scoring (a point for a correct answer but no deduction for an incorrect answer; blank responses have no impact on scores).
Students will take four separate tests which will take a total of 2 hours and 30 minutes of actual testing time, 20 minutes of breaks, and approximately 30 to 35 minutes of administration time. Students will be tested in the following areas: reading, math, language and writing.
Eighth graders will be the ONLY students who will be in the building on the testing day. Students will be assigned to classrooms in groups of no more than ten students. We will start testing at 9:00 a.m. and release students during normal dismissal time at 1:30 p.m. Students will be given refreshments upon arrival and are encouraged to bring a water bottle.
We do not have enough school calculators for all students. If your child has access to a graphing or scientific calculator, please send it to school with him/her on the day of testing. Click on this link for a list of approved calculators.
By working together, we can make your child’s test experience positive and successful. Here are some suggestions that you can do to help your child succeed:
- Make sure your child gets a good night’s rest.
- Have your child eat a healthy breakfast at home or in the cafeteria at school.
- Make sure your child arrives at school on time.
- Encourage your child to do their best.
I strongly encourage all Bryant eighth graders to take the PSAT 8/9 test this spring. It will greatly help them as they prepare to take the SAT test as an eleventh grader. If you have any questions about the PSAT 8/9 tests, please feel free to contact me @ (313) 827-2900.
