What standardized tests do most 10th graders take?

The most common tests for 10th graders are the PSAT 10, state ELA and math assessments, and district diagnostic tests. Some high-achieving students begin SAT prep and may take an early SAT in the spring of 10th grade. The specific tests depend on your state and district, so your newsletter should name the exact assessments your school administers and their dates.

How should 10th grade families support PSAT preparation at home?

Khan Academy offers official, free PSAT practice linked to College Board content. The most effective home support is 20 minutes per day on Khan Academy reading comprehension and math sections, starting about four weeks before the test. Families who know this specific resource and timeframe can set a realistic expectation rather than telling their student to 'study for the PSAT' with no plan.

Does the PSAT score matter for college admissions?

For most students, no. The PSAT score is primarily a diagnostic tool and a practice run for the SAT. The exception is National Merit, which uses PSAT scores from 11th grade (not 10th). Tell families this directly so they understand the stakes for a 10th grade PSAT without either dismissing it or treating it as a high-stakes college admissions exam.

What accommodations should families check for before standardized tests?

Students with IEPs or 504 plans should verify before each test that their accommodations are active and confirmed by the test coordinator. Extended time, separate testing rooms, and calculator accommodations do not transfer automatically between tests. A week before the test is the right time to confirm, not the day before.

What tool is easiest for sending standardized test newsletters to 10th grade families?

Daystage lets you include test dates as calendar events, attach preparation guides as PDFs, and send a reminder the week before each assessment. Families see everything in one newsletter rather than hunting through school announcements.

10th Grade Standardized Test Newsletter: Preparing

Tenth grade is the year standardized testing starts to connect to something families can name: the PSAT, college readiness, and eventually the SAT. For many students, this is the first time a test has felt like it matters beyond the current grade. A clear newsletter about what tests are coming, what they measure, and how families can help removes anxiety and replaces it with a practical preparation plan.

Name Every Test Your 10th Graders Will Take This Year

Start with a complete list. State ELA assessment in April. State math assessment in May. PSAT 10 in October (or the date your school administers it). Any district diagnostic tests in September or January. Families who see the full year of testing on one list can plan around it. Many families do not realize how many separate assessments exist in a given school year until they see the list.

Explain the PSAT in Plain Terms

Many families have heard of the PSAT but do not understand what it tests or what the score means. Your newsletter should explain: the PSAT 10 is a practice SAT designed for 10th graders. It tests reading comprehension, evidence-based writing, and math. Scores range from 320 to 1520. The score is primarily a diagnostic that shows where a student stands relative to the SAT they will take in 11th or 12th grade. It does not affect GPA or college admissions, with the narrow exception of National Merit eligibility in 11th grade.

Share a Realistic Preparation Timeline

For the PSAT, four to six weeks of light daily practice is more effective than one week of intense cramming. A realistic timeline: weeks one and two, take one PSAT practice section in reading and one in math to establish a baseline. Weeks three and four, use Khan Academy to focus on the two skill areas with the lowest practice scores. Week five, take a full-length practice test. Week six, light review and sleep. In your newsletter, share this timeline so families have a plan rather than a vague directive.

Cover State Assessment Specifics

State assessments are different from the PSAT and often more directly tied to graduation requirements in some states. Your newsletter should explain what your state assessment measures, whether results affect graduation, when families will see scores, and how the school uses aggregate data. Families who understand that state assessment scores inform school-level decisions about curriculum take them more seriously.

Address Test-Day Logistics

What should students bring? For the PSAT: approved calculator, student ID, pencils, and a snack for the break. No phones in the testing room. For state assessments: confirm with your school's testing coordinator what is allowed. What time should students arrive? Where do they report? What happens if a student is late? Covering this in the newsletter prevents the test-day chaos that comes from students showing up to the wrong room or without the right materials.

Sample Newsletter Section on Standardized Tests

Here is copy you can adapt:

"Our 10th graders will take the PSAT 10 on [DATE] and the state ELA assessment on [DATE]. The PSAT is a practice SAT: it does not affect GPA or college admissions this year. The best preparation is daily practice on Khan Academy starting now. For state testing, students should bring #2 pencils and arrive by [TIME]. Phones must be off and stored before entering the testing room. Accommodations for students with IEPs or 504s must be confirmed with [NAME] by [DATE]."

Explain Score Reports and What to Do with Them

PSAT score reports arrive in December for tests taken in October. State assessment scores arrive several months after testing. Both come with detailed skill breakdowns. Your newsletter should tell families what to look for in each report and what actions make sense based on the results. A student who scored below proficient in math evidence-based questions should focus on that specific skill, not retake the whole test section.

Set the Right Frame for the Junior Year

End your newsletter by connecting 10th grade preparation to 11th grade, when the PSAT scores actually count for National Merit and when most students take their first SAT or ACT. Families who understand that the goal of 10th grade testing is baseline and preparation approach the year's assessments more calmly than those who treat every standardized test as a college admissions event.

10th Grade Standardized Test Newsletter: Preparing Grade Level Students