LYNN – Lynn Public Schools has made a comprehensive effort to make standardized testing designed to gauge college and career readiness more accessible to students. Those efforts are not going unnoticed.
At the College Board’s New England & Middle States regional spring meeting April 21-22 in Providence, RI, LPS was highlighted for showing leadership in expanding access to the SAT Suite of Assessments the College Board offers, including the SAT and PSAT exams.
At the meeting, Dr. Jennifer R. Shorter, LPS executive director of the Office of Data, Assessment & Accountability, was asked to share insight on LPS’ data-driven practices that support equitable college and career-readiness practices across the district.
“There was a wide range of school districts and colleges at this meeting, so it was great exposure for us to be spotlighted in that space,” Shorter said.
LPS has been expanding access to the PSAT and SAT and doing it through the lens of equity, ensuring that financial considerations are not a reason for students being unable to take the exams. With the tests typically administered on Saturdays, LPS now offers students the
opportunity to take them during the school day at no cost.
“We know there are reasons why some students are not able to take a Saturday exam,” Shorter said, “so the district absorbs the cost of them taking it on a school day.”
LPS started offering the PSAT to ninth graders this year and plans to give the exam to eighth graders next year.
“That gives us more time to gauge their college and career readiness and prepare them to be successful and more competitive when they apply for college,” Shorter
said.
In 2024, 1,009 of the district’s 1,206 ninth grade students (83.7%) took the PSAT. This represents nearly 20% of all ninth grade test takers statewide, underscoring the district’s commitment to early exposure to college-readiness tools.
After administering the PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholar Qualifying Test) to 10th and 11th grade students in fall 2023 for the first time in five years, LPS had 2,073 students take the exam in fall 2024. These assessments help prepare students for the SAT and serve as the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
Last fall, LPS offered the SAT to all 12th grade students during the school day at no cost for the first time. A total of 864 students out of 1,419 seniors (61%) participated, increasing access and ensuring that every senior had the opportunity to take the SAT without financial burden.
In addition to expanded access to standardized tests, LPS has seen consistent improvement in students’ Advanced Placement (AP) performance. In 2024, a record 51% of AP students scored a three or higher on AP exams, the highest percentage in the last five years.
“Through these efforts, LPS continues to prioritize equity and early access to college- and career-readiness programs, ensuring that all students have the tools and support they need to succeed academically and beyond,” Shorter said.
While the MCAS exams allow for student achievement to be compared to other districts in the state, the SAT is an international exam, which fits with LPS’ desire to prepare students to be globally competitive.
“This recognition is a direct byproduct of our intensive efforts in the areas of assessment and accountability, while keeping a focus on equity in all of that work,” said Superintendent Dr. Evonne S. Alvarez. “It is gratifying to see LPS highlighted for those efforts. We appreciate all
those who contribute to it.”
Also at the regional meeting, Shorter officially began a three-year term on the College Board’s New England Regional Council, a post in which she will offer feedback on how the organization can better support schools and districts. Council members also provide guidance on College Board activities related to their geographical areas.
“We need to think about who is missing from the room as we reflect on the regional convening and how organizations like College Board can support equitable access,” Shorter said. “Community-based organizations play a huge role in college readiness, so we have to figure out how to invite them into the conversation.”
