Creating Opportunity Through the SAT Suite, Together

At the District Success Network Conference, three leaders from Florida’s Orange County Public Schools took the stage together to share how commitment to the SAT Suite across their district is helping create more opportunities for students. 

Dr. Rebecca Hunt - Senior Director for Advanced Studies, Robert Palmer - Senior Administrator, Student Services, and Barrington Maxwell - Senior Administrator for Assessment, each brought a different perspective, but they all shared the same message. 

"It isn't just a one-man show," Hunt said. For Orange County Public Schools, helping students prepare for college, careers, and whatever comes next isn't the responsibility of one office or one educator. It's something the district works toward together. 

Hunt opened the session by sharing the story behind the district's Super Scholars program. Originally, the program recognized students admitted to the nation's top 20 colleges and universities. Over time, district leaders realized they needed a broader definition of student success. Today, the program also celebrates students attending top 50 universities, HBCUs, liberal arts colleges, and military service academies. 

That same thinking has shaped the district's work with the SAT Suite of Assessments. Maxwell shared how months of planning help ensure students have access to testing—from preparing devices and coordinating accommodations to training staff and communicating with schools. Palmer described how counselors and college and career specialists use assessment information to help students explore college, career, military, and workforce pathways. 

Hunt focused on another part of the work: removing barriers. One example was helping students and families access AP Potential while selecting courses so they could better understand the opportunities available to them. As that work evolved, the district found itself asking an important question: "We thought we were providing access, but were we really providing access?" That question continues to shape the district's work. 

Everyone Plays a Role 

One idea came up throughout the session: everyone has a role to play. Teachers help students build skills in the classroom. School counselors guide conversations about college and careers. College and career specialists help students explore their options. Families stay informed and engaged. Even students support one another. Hunt shared how many Orange County high schools have student-led SAT tutoring clubs where students help their peers prepare for future assessments. The clubs build academic skills, confidence, and leadership while creating another layer of support for students. 

The district has also invested in professional learning so educators understand not only the SAT Suite, but how to use the information it provides to support students. As Palmer explained, having resources available is important—but it's just as important that educators know how to use those resources to help students make informed decisions about what's next. 

Reflecting and What’s Ahead 

The presenters were also quick to share that they haven't figured everything out. Throughout the session, they described their work as a process of listening, learning, and improving. As Hunt put it, "Everything leads back to communication." That mindset has helped Orange County Public Schools bring more people into the conversation—and create more opportunities for students along the way.