The recent decision by the Michigan Department of Education to administer the College Board's PSAT^® 8/9 and PSAT^® 10 as the summative assessment for English language arts (ELA) and mathematics for students in grades 8, 9, and 10 is a noteworthy development in the state's efforts to improve its education system. This change has significant implications for students, teachers, and schools, and will provide valuable data to inform ongoing efforts to improve instruction and increase student achievement.

The College Board's PSAT^® 8/9 and PSAT^® 10 are highly regarded assessments that are widely used to measure student knowledge and skills in ELA and mathematics. These assessments are designed to be rigorous and reliable, and provide a comprehensive understanding of students' mastery of the content and skills outlined in the state's academic standards for ELA and mathematics.

Student’s knowledge and skills in English language arts and mathematics measured on the PSAT^®:

English Language Arts:

• Reading Comprehension: ability to understand and analyze texts, including fiction and non-fiction, and identify the meaning of words and phrases.

• Writing and Language: ability to express ideas effectively in writing, use standard English grammar and usage, and apply knowledge of language to understand and analyze texts.

Mathematics:

• Heart of Algebra: ability to solve equations and understand linear relationships, using algebraic concepts and techniques.

• Problem Solving and Data Analysis: ability to use data and statistics to analyze and interpret information, and solve mathematical problems.

• Passport to Advanced Mathematics: ability to understand and apply more advanced mathematical concepts, including trigonometry, logarithms, and functions.

By administering the PSAT^® 8/9 and PSAT^® 10, Michigan's public schools will have access to valuable data on student learning and progress. This data will inform ongoing efforts to improve instruction and support student success. 

Here are some ways that teachers can use the results of the PSAT^® to inform their instruction:

• Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: Teachers can use the results of the PSAT^® to identify areas where students have demonstrated mastery, as well as areas where they may need additional support. This information can help teachers to personalize instruction and tailor their teaching to meet the needs of each student.

• Develop Targeted Intervention Strategies: Based on the results of the PSAT^®, teachers can design targeted intervention strategies to help students improve in specific areas. For example, if students struggle with a particular type of mathematical problem, teachers can provide additional practice and support in that area.

• Monitor Student Progress: Teachers can use the results of the PSAT^® to monitor student progress over time, and make adjustments to their instruction as needed. This can help teachers to identify patterns of improvement or challenges, and respond with the most effective strategies to support student success.

• Use Data to Guide Instruction: Teachers can use the results of the PSAT^® to inform their instruction and make data-driven decisions about how to best support student learning. For example, teachers may use the results of the PSAT^® to inform their lesson planning and adjust their teaching methods to better meet the needs of their students.

The decision to administer the PSAT^® 8/9 and PSAT^® 10 is a positive step forward for Michigan's public schools, and demonstrates the state's commitment to providing high-quality assessments that accurately measure student learning and progress. However, it is important to note that these assessments are just one part of a larger system of assessment and evaluation in Michigan's public schools. Teachers and school leaders also use a variety of formative assessments, such as quizzes, class discussions, and writing assignments, to monitor student progress and make informed instructional decisions on a regular basis.

In conclusion, the decision by the Michigan Department of Education to administer the College Board's PSAT^® 8/9 and PSAT^® 10 as the summative assessment for ELA and mathematics is a significant development for the state's education system. These assessments will provide valuable data to inform ongoing efforts to improve instruction and increase student achievement, and will play an important role in preparing students for college and career success.