Mastering SAT Readiness with Khan Academy SAT Prep

Why It Matters

By turning SAT prep into an instructional priority backed by real‑time analytics, DPS demonstrates how districts can improve college‑readiness outcomes while reducing equity gaps, a critical lever for education leaders nationwide.

Key Takeaways

• DPS partnered with College Board via Khan Academy Districts.
• Data reports drive bi-weekly oversight of student progress.
• Integrated SAT practice into Tier One instruction across 33 schools.
• Early results narrowed achievement gaps for underserved students.
• 60-skill benchmark guides mastery and proficiency.

Pulse Analysis

The SAT remains a pivotal gatekeeper for college admission, yet many districts treat preparation as a peripheral service. Denver Public Schools’ collaboration with the College Board and Khan Academy reframes the test as a core academic objective, leveraging the free, adaptive platform that aligns directly with official SAT content. This partnership provides a unified curriculum, eliminating the need for disparate third‑party vendors and ensuring every student receives consistent, standards‑based practice.

Implementation hinges on data transparency. DPS introduced bi‑weekly performance reports that surface skill‑level trends across all 33 secondary schools, allowing administrators to pinpoint gaps and allocate resources swiftly. By embedding SAT practice into Tier 1 instruction—daily lessons rather than after‑school add‑ons—the district normalizes test‑taking skills within the regular classroom rhythm. The 60‑skill benchmark serves as a concrete target, guiding teachers to focus on high‑impact areas such as evidence‑based reading and algebraic reasoning, while students track personal mastery milestones.

Early outcomes validate the approach: proficiency rates have risen, and the achievement gap for historically underserved populations has narrowed noticeably. For superintendents eyeing similar reforms, the key lies in assessing digital infrastructure, securing leadership buy‑in, and establishing a robust data‑review cadence. Scalable, low‑cost solutions like Khan Academy Districts empower districts to elevate college readiness without inflating budgets, positioning students for long‑term success in an increasingly competitive admissions landscape.

Original Description

00:00 - Introduction: Preparing Every Student for SAT Success

01:00 - The Official SAT Prep Partnership: College Board & Khan Academy

02:08 - Defining the Challenge: Why SAT Prep is a District Priority in Denver

03:38 - Moving Beyond Access: The Strategic Shift to Intentional Use

04:43 - Universal Alignment: Getting Leadership and Schools on the Same Page

06:17 - Driving Growth: Transitioning Skills from Familiar to Proficient

07:50 - The Oversight Model: How DPS Uses Bi-Weekly Data Reports

09:30 - Blended Learning: Integrating SAT Practice into Tier 1 Instruction

11:30 - Early Results: Closing Gaps for Historically Underserved Students

13:40 - Advice for Superintendents: Assessing Infrastructure for Implementation

19:37 - Efficacious Use: The 60-Skill Benchmark for Student Success

In this case study, Dr. Ted Thompson of Denver Public Schools shares how the district moved beyond simple "access" to achieve measurable efficacy in SAT preparation. By leveraging Khan Academy Districts, DPS has successfully shifted the focus from static content to active skill mastery, ensuring instructional integrity across 33 secondary schools. This session explores how high-fidelity data allows leadership to bridge learning gaps and drive significant student progress at scale.

To scale your SAT readiness in your schools, visit khanacademy.org/schools