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Students and teachers praise 'Mastery Prep' test program as SAT prep tool
Summary
Students and staff described Mastery Prep, a digital SAT preparation tool, to the Gilmer County Schools board; presenters noted gains in targeted study plans and item-level feedback while flagging limitations (math calculator absence, non-adaptive modules) and recommending classroom integration.
Teachers and students told the Gilmer County Schools board that Mastery Prep has provided targeted study plans, pre- and post-assessments, and item-level feedback that help learners prepare for SAT-related benchmarks and college-credit requirements.
A student speaker described Mastery Prep’s approach: "This program has helped me to prepare for my upcoming SAC ... Mastery Prep has helped me get ready for this by giving me a study plan based on where I need the most improvement," the student said, noting the software’s pre-test review, lessons and post-assessments.
Presenters explained how teachers use the platform to view class and individual student dashboards, identify common wrong answers, and assign short exercises to address weaknesses. Staff emphasized that the program is intended as a supplemental resource rather than a replacement for district curriculum.
Presenters also raised limitations: the tool’s digital math section does not provide the same calculator and reference sheet that students may use on the SAT, and the platform’s tests are not fully adaptive in the same way the SAT’s modules are. "The digital SATs on Mastery Prep are not adaptive," one staff member said, adding that this difference can affect the alignment of practice items to the real-test experience.
Teachers reported class-level performance data — including honors classes exceeding benchmark expectations — and said Mastery Prep allows teachers to export reports and use question-by-question results to target instruction. The staff recommended exploring certified testing-site options and using the platform for boot camps, weekly practice, and targeted remediation.
Board members asked follow-up questions about access for different grades and about logistics for offering official test sessions; staff said they will gather additional numbers and consider site certification options.
Next steps discussed included making teacher-side dashboards available to administrators, exploring certifying the district as a testing center where feasible, and continuing to use Mastery Prep as part of boot camps and classroom practice.
