ACT scores dip even

Updated: Last week the AJC reported that the State Board of Education voted to use $1.1 million of the $400 million Race to the Top funds to pay for ALL 10th grade PSATs.

Updated: Last night I heard from DeKalb county teacher that the Race to the Top funds would be used to pay for PSATs. My Google search didn't yield any new info, but if you know something I don't, please share in the comments.

In May, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reportedthat budget cuts would limit public schools' funding for the PSAT for sophomores.

Georgia had been paying for all 10th-graders to take the PSAT and for students to take two AP exams, but now will pay those costs only for students eligible for free and reduced-price lunches. The PSAT costs $13; each AP exam is $86.

Why does this matter to students? Well, studies have shown that repeated exposure to a test has a definite impact on students' performance. The more a student practices a test the more comfortable he will be when he takes it for real Junior year. Not only is the PSAT good practice for the SAT, but a high score on it might lead to full scholarships at a number of colleges and universities.

Former State schools Superintendent Kathy Cox has long been a vocal supporter of the PSAT program, confident in its power to help students perform well on the SAT. It will be interesting to see how students continue to perform on the SAT, especially with the news that Georgia scores have already fallen.