Providence Demonstrates Upward Trend in SAT and PSAT Performance

Background

Providence leaders set out to improve SAT and PSAT performance across all high schools, with a focus on building student confidence and readiness. They saw Khan Academy’s SAT prep as a standards‑aligned, skills‑based resource and Khanmigo as an AI tutor that could deliver personalized support and on‑demand feedback. Together, these tools would empower teachers to tailor instruction and support every student.

Challenges

• Raising SAT/PSAT scores consistently across all 11 high schools
• Ensuring cohesion in such a large district where schools often operate independently
• Building student engagement with SAT prep and Khanmigo, especially after school hours
• Creating clear, shared expectations for course mastery and learning time

“Providence has done a great job bringing everyone together and getting all their high schools focused on the same goal of high‑quality instruction and SAT prep. This shared focus has led to more consistent practices across schools and better results for students.”

Solutions

Providence Public Schools implemented a highly strategic rollout of SAT prep and Khanmigo, focusing on coaching and shared objectives. 

This involved each school developing an implementation plan aligned with district expectations, incorporating various strategies such as

• weekly data reviews for PLC conversations, 
• data chat protocols for student progress tracking, 
• station rotations for targeted SAT skills, 
• extra prep sessions, 
• parent engagement strategies, and
• clear mastery/time targets. 

The implementation was further supported by a robust coaching model with instructional coaches in each high school, professional learning sessions led by Khan Academy, and strong district leadership from Michaela Keegan, Francesca Salvador, and Gail DesimoneTella to ensure consistency.

Results

• Providence showed SAT and PSAT gains in math and ELA, outperforming statewide trends in key areas
  
  • SAT math increased by 1.6 percentage points
  • PSAT math increased by 2 percentage points. 
• The district reports more consistent SAT prep practice and increased student engagement and confidence. They have received significant recognition for their districtwide alignment.

• Providence took home a first-place win in the statewide March Mania Competition for learning minutes and SAT Reading & Writing mastery gains. 
• The district is expanding the use of  Khan Academy and Khanmigo into middle schools. 

Looking ahead, the district aims to further strengthen middle school alignment to build a long-term pipeline for SAT readiness. 

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