SMCPS provides students with ongoing support in preparation for college entrance exams, particularly the SAT exam. In 2006, the school system adopted the Official SAT Online Course made available through the College Board. This program provides full length practice tests, with supporting lessons and quizzes to remediate areas of challenge or concern. This program also provides students with the opportunity to practice writing essays for the new Writing portion of the exam. Students can submit their essays electronically, and receive instant scoring, as well as specific feedback on how to improve their writing. This program is available to all students in grades 9 - 12, 24 hours a day, seven days a week from any internet-based computer.
In addition to providing The Official SAT Online Course, high school English teachers use the ScoreWrite booklet to help prepare students for the rigor of the new SAT essay. Published by the College Board, this booklet contains three released writing prompts, annotated scoring guides, and student anchor papers for each score. By integrating these exemplars into classroom instruction, teachers are able to offer students the opportunity for authentic practice writing the SAT essay.
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