5: PSAT/SAT Math and SS
Social Studies Support for PSAT/SAT
The PSAT/SAT focuses primarily on a student's reading, writing, language, and mathematics skills that indicate readiness for and success in postsecondary education. However, there are many areas in Social Studies that can support success on the PSAT/SAT and in life beyond high school! This is a brief overview of the Social Studies related skills students will find on the PSAT/SAT and how teachers can help better prepare students for these types of questions.
All information specific to the PSAT/SAT Test comes from The Redesigned SAT Teacher Implementation Guide.
Social Studies Content Specifications for the SAT Math Test
How do Social Studies related items contribute to a student's score?
- Creating and analyzing relationships using ratios, proportional relationships, percentages, and units
- Representing and analyzing quantitative data
- Finding and applying probabilities in context
What instructional strategies can a Social Studies teacher employ to support students on the Math Test?
- Develop interest and facility in math by practicing in science and social studies. Use tables, expressions, and graphs that students encounter in other content areas to present math as a tool that may be applied to many areas of study rather than being relegated to math classes. Provide frequent opportunities for students to interpret and apply mathematical skills and concepts in real-worlds contexts, particularly in the science and social studies.
Information compiled by Amy Mount, PK-12 Social Studies Coordinator at Garland ISD. For questions or comments, please email almount@garlandisd.net. Connect with Amy on Twitter at @msmrocks.