The ReadiStep Test

At my eighth-grader's school, the students have the opportunity to take a test called ReadiStep this month. It's related to the SAT in some way. Exactly what is this test, and what are the advantages of taking it? -- Against More Tests
Answer: You are right about the ReadiStep test being related to the SAT. It is the first step in the College Board's Readiness Pathway System, which is designed to measure students' readiness from the eighth through 12th grades for college and careers. The next step is the PSAT, and the final step is the SAT.
ReadiStep is typically offered in eighth or ninth grade, and individual students can only take this test if it is offered by their school. If the test is not given at a school, parents and students can ask the school's administration about offering it. There is a fee of $8 for each answer sheet scored to defray the cost of administering it. Last year more than 1,300 schools administered it.
The main advantage of taking ReadiStep is that it helps students and their families understand the strength of their critical reading, math and writing skills, as well as the skills they may need to work on as they transition to high school. Plus schools are able to use the test to identify those who are ready for more advanced work, such as AP courses, and those in need of remediation.
About four weeks after the test, the results are available. At that time, students can review their results with a teacher or other school staff. They also can talk about the types of courses they should take in high school to prepare themselves for college and career goals.
You can find out more about ReadiStep on the College Board's website at
readistep.collegeboard.org/students-
parents.