File photo.
The Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) was recently recognized for encouraging and supporting students as they practice for the SAT and college-level courses using the Khan Academy’s Official SAT Practice program, offering students free video lessons, practice tests and more, LBUSD officials announced today.
In May, research released by the College Board and Khan Academy showed that students using the program saw substantial score gains, with 20 hours of practice associated with an average 115-point increase from the PSAT/NMSQT to the SAT, according to the release.
Official SAT Practice features video lessons, test-taking tips and strategies, interactive practice questions and also includes nine full-length practice tests. Four million unique users are now registered.
“The PSAT is now a diagnostic for Khan Academy,” Khan Academy founder Sal Khan said in a statement. “If students share their PSAT score, Khan Academy can use that information to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses and provide tailored practice in math, reading and writing.”
Of the 28 big-city school districts that volunteered for the inaugural 2017 Official SAT Practice All In Challenge, Long Beach was one of the five that won, with Fresno, Orange County (Orlando), Denver and Chicago all recognized for their efforts to boost students’ college and career readiness.
The first-ever award from the College Board, the Council of the Great City Schools and Khan Academy recognizes council districts for encouraging and supporting students’ SAT practice with the Khan platform.
“There are many success stories to share about the hard work and incredible growth that our districts and students made through this challenge,” Council Executive Director Michael Casserly said in a statement. “We’re proud of the 28 school districts that stepped up to the challenge and hope others will follow.”
The Washington, D.C.-based Council of the Great City Schools, founded in 1956, brings together the nation’s 68 largest urban public school systems, Long Beach included, in a coalition for the improvement of education for children in big cities.
LBUSD received the “MVP” prize for having the highest overall percentage of students linking their College Board and Khan Academy accounts to receive free and personalized SAT practice. LBUSD will receive $10,000 to put toward initiatives that advance student success and opportunity, according to the announcement.
“Our students and staff work hard, and the nation has noticed,” LBUSD Superintendent Christopher J. Steinhauser said in a statement. “The Council of the Great City Schools is a leading voice for America’s large school districts. We appreciate this high honor and our ongoing collaboration with the College Board and Khan Academy.”