DPIE Supports All Dublin High Students by Funding SAT/PSAT Exams in Q417

Dublin High School (DHS) Principal Maureen Byrne shares her thoughts on the new SAT/PSAT Program, DPIE's Academy, and an opportunity for additional support for students–including a Wellness Center at DHS.

Wednesday, October 11th seemed like any other normal school day. However, this one was just a bit different. As opposed to heading to a ceramics, history or music class, hundreds of students were concentrating on the same thing. Last fall, DHS took the extraordinary step in hosting the College Board exams on their own campus and during the school day. It was special for two basic, but very important reasons. As many realize, these exams are almost always conducted on a Saturday and there is no telling where it would be held. In this case, it was held on very familiar ground. Second, the Dublin Partners in Education removed the cost element of taking the SAT/PSAT by endowing the funds so that no student would have to pay. It represented an extraordinary example of how DPIE can present a very tangible benefit to the students that we support. To put it into numbers, the participation rate equaled 780 Freshmen, 1,352 Sophomores/Juniors and 452 Seniors. It is our belief that approximately 100 Seniors had already successfully tested and elected not to take an additional stab at the exam. To gain broader perspective on the day, we reached out to Dublin High School Principal Maureen Byrne for her observations.

DPIE: As a Site Principal, what did you perceive to be the greatest benefits for DHS students to take the SAT exam at their own school during a regular school day?

Having students take the test starting Freshman year, creates a college going culture from day one. We want students to have as many opportunities as possible. Some of our students may not go to college, but we want that to be their choice, not their only option.

Maureen Byrne: “The benefits are many. We wanted students to take this test with the best possible circumstances. Coming to school at the normal time and taking the test with teachers who care can reduce test anxiety. It is also a matter of equity. Typically, the PSAT and SAT are offered on Saturday at various locations. Students need to find the site, make the time and often drive. Not all of our students can do this during their weekends. Having students take the test starting Freshman year, creates a college going culture from day one. We want students to have as many opportunities as possible. Some of our students may not go to college, but we want that to be their choice, not their only option. After taking the test, students can sign up for free on Khan Academy tutoring to address areas of concern. This will help them increase their performance on subsequent tests. Giving the test to all students allows us to look at trends in student performance across all students. This can highlight areas we need to address. Finally, we get a AP Potential Report. This pinpoints students who could do well in an AP class and helps us to encourage those students.”

DPIE: DPIE has historically presented the Summer Academy sessions at DHS. In what ways has the hosting/funding of SAT testing elevated the awareness of the organization?

Byrne: “The nice thing about DPIE is that they serve our community in a cyclical way. The Summer Academy offers a chance for students to accelerate academically. Students are able to take classes that will allow them to advance the next school year. It also offers more choice as it opens up room for students to take additional classes. This meets a need in our community. I love that the revenues DPIE receives from offering the program, goes back to the very school where the programs are taken. This gives back to ALL students and helps ALL students in their path to a successful future.”

DPIE: In what ways (if any) can you see DPIE providing additional academic/program support to Dublin High School students? This is an opportunity to dream.

Byrne: “In addition to future funding of our College Readiness Day, I can see many potential areas for DPIE. The addition to academic support in funding for GAEL tutors or supplemental materials for students is a huge need, as is Wellness. We would love to partner with DPIE in creating a Wellness Center at DHS. This would be a lovely complement to the academic support.”