WWC Summary of Evidence for this Intervention

ACT/SAT Test Preparation and Coaching Programs

Test preparation programs—sometimes referred to as test coaching programs—have been implemented with the goal of increasing student scores on college entrance tests. They generally (a) familiarize students with the format of the test; (b) introduce general test-taking strategies (e.g., get a good night’s sleep); (c) introduce specific testtaking strategies (e.g., whether the test penalizes incorrect answers, and what this means for whether or not one should guess an answer if it is not known); and (d) specific drills (e.g., practice factoring polynomial expressions). The programs can be delivered in person or online, and in whole class settings, in small groups, and individually.

Reviewed Research

Transition to College

October 2016

Outcome domain	Studies meeting standards	Grades examined	Students	Improvement index
General academic achievement (high school)	6 studies meet standards	10-12	65,603	9
	Domingue, B., & Briggs, D. C. (2009)	10-12	706	4
	Filizola, E. (2008)	10-11	24	11
	Holmes, C. Thomas; Keffer, Ronald L. (1995)	10-12	70	19
	McClain, T. B. (1999)	12	40	-2
	McMann, P. K. (1994)	10-11	196	13
	Scholes, Roberta J.; Lain, M. Margaret. (1997)	11-12	64,567	1

General academic achievement (high school)

6 studies meet standards

10-12

65,603

Domingue, B., & Briggs, D. C. (2009)

10-12

706

Filizola, E. (2008)

10-11

Holmes, C. Thomas; Keffer, Ronald L. (1995)

10-12

McClain, T. B. (1999)

-2

McMann, P. K. (1994)

10-11

196

Scholes, Roberta J.; Lain, M. Margaret. (1997)

11-12

64,567