Date: Fri 27-Oct-1995

Publication: Bee

Author: AMYD

Quick Words:

SAT-schools-test-preparation

Full Text:

schools: Developing A Strategy For The SATs

B Y A MY D'O RIO

Once upon a time, taking the SAT senior year involved a little nervousness,

taking the test on a Saturday and waiting for results. No less, no more.

The reality now is that many students are doing more and taking control by

preparing for this key to college.

Parents are spending hundreds of dollars to send their children to SAT

preparation courses offered by private businesses. Some even get their

children a tutors, who can charge up to $30 and $40 an hour.

When Marilyn Capizzano, Newtown High School's assistant principal, first came

to Newtown last school year, she immediately focused on leveling the playing

field for students.

The valuable information on test strategy should be shared with any student

who wants it, not just those who can afford it, she said.

Mrs Capizzano had actually written a booklet on SAT test preparation for a

school she worked at in White Plains, but she wanted to do more than replicate

the booklet for Newtown.

With PTA backing, she launched a preparation course for Newtown students after

school and on weekends

The first one was offered last spring, and 80 students participated.

To cover the cost for teachers and materials, participants pay $100, but that

is inexpensive compared to privately offered courses, Ms Capizzano said.

Furthermore, the PTA offers scholarships to the students who can not afford to

enroll.

The course runs seven weeks and is being offered to seniors in the fall and

underclassmen in the spring.

The assistant principal said students learn many strategies, including when to

guess, when to skip a question, and how to narrow down multiple choice. The

teachers also zero in on where students need to study more.

Plus, they give out practice tests, provide a crash course in Latin and

introduce vocabulary words.

Ms Capizzano said studies show a preparation course helps raise an SAT score,

so it is an important class for any student interested in attending a

competitive college.

Is the high school course as good as a private courses?

"I think it is better," Ms Capizzano said.

The school has enlisted two strong teachers: Newtown High School teacher Karen

Sherman for math and Morgan Yorish for English.

For more information about the course, call the school at 426-7646.