Assessing the relationships among PSAT and TAKS scores in selected Texas high schools

The purpose of this research study was to determine the relationships among PSAT scores and TAKS scores in selected Texas high schools in order to inform state policy makers, school district administrators and teachers as they strive to implement policies to improve student achievement. In addition the findings of this study can be vital for curriculum planning pre-K-16. The population for this study was the 3,243 sophomores at the 55 Texas high schools involved in the Texas AP/IB Center's PSAT Pilot Program. The schools participating in this program were selected based on the high proportion of students from low-income homes and the lack of an AP program or low AP program participation. Students at participating high schools were predominantly minority and from homes identified by the Texas Education agency as low socioeconomic status. This study's significance is based on its potential to provide school district administrators additional information on which to base decisions regarding budget allocations for Advanced Placement programs. With greater stress on high-stakes testing and greater competition to enter higher education, Texas school districts will have initial data upon which to strengthen curricular offerings. Additionally, this study will provide policymakers at the state and local level the data necessary to make decisions when marketing and promoting the Advanced Placement program. Research findings of this study included: 1. The degree of association between PSAT score and TAKS scores was moderate. 2. Caucasian students consistently outperformed their minority counterparts on all examinations. 3. Economically disadvantaged students achieved lower scores than their more affluent counterparts on all tests. 4. Females outperformed males on most exams, but the results are not conclusive