Test tinkering: TEA schools could adopt SAT while colleges reduce its role
The Texas Education Agency currently utilizes the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness — STAAR — tests that change every few years as curricula and test scores change. STAAR is a big part of students’ academic progress; passage of the certain tests is required in order to pass certain grades. Some state officials now suggest tying the STAAR more closely to the SAT, a test many high school students take as a college entrance exam. While the SAT remains popular among educators — many high schools in the Rio Grande Valley and elsewhere require all seniors to take it — it, and other exams such as the ACT, are losing popularity among universities. As the viral threat wanes, many schools have announced that they don’t consider the test as important anymore.
myrgv.comWhy U.S. Colleges Are Rethinking Standardized Tests
The pandemic forced a pause on colleges requiring standardized testing, long the gold standard for admissions in the U.S. As Covid-19 restrictions ease, widespread mandatory reliance on the ACT and SAT entrance exams isn’t springing back as quickly. One reason is that schools anticipate more Covid disruptions and want to provide predictability to applicants. Another is concern over large race-related gaps in SAT scores, which have been blamed for unequal educational opportunity for non-White stu
washingtonpost.comWhy U.S. Colleges Are Rethinking Standardized Tests: QuickTake
The pandemic forced a pause on colleges requiring standardized testing, long the gold standard for admissions in the U.S. As Covid-19 restrictions ease, widespread mandatory reliance on the ACT and SAT entrance exams isn’t springing back as quickly. One reason is that schools anticipate more Covid disruptions and want to provide predictability to applicants. Another is concern over large race-related gaps in SAT scores, which have been blamed for unequal educational opportunity for non-Whites.
washingtonpost.comWhy U.S. Colleges Are Rethinking Standardized Tests
The pandemic forced a pause on colleges requiring standardized testing, long the gold standard for admissions in the U.S. As Covid-19 restrictions ease, widespread mandatory reliance on the ACT and SAT entrance exams isn’t springing back as quickly. One reason is that schools anticipate more Covid disruptions and want to provide predictability to applicants. Another is concern over large race-related gaps in SAT scores, which have been blamed for unequal educational opportunity for non-Whites.
washingtonpost.comTimothy Ubben, investment executive and philanthropist who helped low-income students go to college, dies at 84
Ubben also was a longtime donor to and fundraiser for his alma mater, DePauw University, where he served as chairman of the board of trustees, endowed faculty chairs and oversaw two capital campaigns.
chicagotribune.comHarvard has dropped its SAT and ACT score admission requirements until 2026, and it's a watershed move as schools debate the value of standardized testing
Applicants may send in their scores if they wish, but Harvard's decision signals a shift in how it's prepared to assess hopefuls in the future.
news.yahoo.comHigh school seniors in Chicago and across Illinois won’t have to take SAT to graduate this spring because of COVID-19 disruptions
The Illinois State Board of Education has also eliminated the PSAT tests for eighth, ninth and 10th graders this spring and will not offer a fall makeup — much to the chagrin of some parents who want their children to have the chance to prep for the SAT later in high school. Schools are not being given the option to independently administer the PSAT to their students this spring.
chicagotribune.comMexico seizes fake Sputnik vaccine bound for Honduras
In this photo released by Mexico's tax agency, SAT, on March 17, 2021, officials show vials of seized, alleged Sputnik V vaccines for COVID-19 in Campeche, Mexico. (Mexican tax agency SAT via AP)MEXICO CITY – Mexican customs officials have seized purported vials of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine en route to Honduras that the Russian entity that bankrolled the vaccine’s development said Thursday were fake. The RDIF also drew geopolitics into the mix, saying, “This is an example of possible provocations against Sputnik V just as Russian officials warned last week. The source said that the alleged plan is to paint Sputnik V as ineffective and dangerous, including by “staging mass deaths, allegedly as a result of using” the vaccine. Mexico started vaccinating people with Sputnik V last month and has received 400,000 doses to date.
UT-Austin won't require SAT or ACT scores for 2022 applications due to COVID-19
The University of Texas at Austin is suspending the SAT and ACT test score requirement for fall 2022 applicants, citing continued limited access to testing opportunities for students due the COVID-19 pandemic. The University of Houston System also said it would remain test-optional through fall 2022 and would consider making the change permanent. Texas A&M University has also extended its policy to 2022 and anticipates 2023 will be test optional as well. Last year, multiple Texas universities temporarily scrapped the testing requirement for 2021 applicants as the College Board cancelled test exams and large exam sites were closed, including Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, Texas Christian University and Southern Methodist University. Elsewhere, other universities had already started to get rid of the standardized test requirement for admission even before the pandemic forced them to announce a temporary pause.
chron.comUT-Austin won't require SAT or ACT scores for 2022 applications due to COVID-19
The University of Texas at Austin is suspending the SAT and ACT test score requirement for fall 2022 applicants, citing continued limited access to testing opportunities for students due the COVID-19 pandemic. The University of Houston System also said it would remain test-optional through fall 2022 and would consider making the change permanent. Texas A&M University has also extended its policy to 2022 and anticipates 2023 will be test optional as well. Elsewhere, other universities had already started to get rid of the standardized test requirement for admission even before the pandemic forced them to announce a temporary pause. “It adds very little value to the prediction of who is going to succeed and who won't and that minor value added is far outweighed by the problems it creates.”Disclosure: Baylor University, Rice University, Southern Methodist University, St. Edward's University, Texas Christian University, Texas Tech University and University of Texas at Austin have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
chron.comUT-Austin won’t require SAT or ACT scores for 2022 applications due testing limitations because of COVID-19
(TEXAS TRIBUNE) – Need to stay updated on coronavirus news in Texas? The University of Texas at Austin is suspending the SAT and ACT test score requirement for fall 2022 applicants, citing continued limited access to testing opportunities for students due to the COVID-19 pandemic. AdLast year, multiple Texas universities temporarily scrapped the testing requirement for the 2021 applicants, including Texas A&M University, Baylor University, Texas Tech University, Texas Christian University and Southern Methodist University. In Austin, St. Edward's University had been planning to permanently waive ACT and SAT requirements for months, Dean of Admissions Drew Nichols told The Texas Tribune last spring. AdDisclosure: Baylor University, Rice University, Southern Methodist University, St. Edward’s University, Texas Christian University, Texas Tech University and University of Texas at Austin have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
Breaking SAT news for High School Juniors and Sophomores from AT-Home Tutoring Services
The other thing that is disappearing are the SAT subject tests, which were hour-long multiple choice exams in various school subjects, mostly used by the most selective schools. Students could take these at any point in high school, but they are gone as of now. AdThis information has been provided by At-Home Tutoring Services Director of College Admissions and Test Preparation, Alexandra Wax. At-Home Tutoring Services provides private tutoring for all academic subjects, test preparation for the SAT and ACT as well as ISEE, and guidance throughout the college admissions process, all arranged on the schedule most convenient to the student.. At-Home Tutoring Services is the partner in education to families throughout the greater Houston area. Contact At-Home Tutoring Services for your custom plan for SAT or ACT test preparation or to arrange to meet with a credentialed admissions counselor by phone at 713-418-0268, by email woodlandsinfo@athometutoringservices or click here.
SAT doing away with optional essay, subject tests
The College Board said Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, it will eliminate the optional essay from the SAT and do away with subject tests amid a changing college admissions landscape. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon, File)NEW YORK – The College Board said Tuesday it will eliminate the optional essay from the SAT and do away with subject tests amid a changing college admissions landscape. The optional essay adds about another hour and is scored separately, as were the lesser required subject tests given in specific areas like chemistry or foreign languages. The subject tests will immediately end for U.S. students and will be phased out for international students by June. The optional essay will be discontinued after June testing sessions.
College Board eliminates SAT subject tests, optional essay to ‘simplify demands on students’
PEMBROKE PINES, FL - MARCH 06: Suzane Nazir uses a Princeton Review SAT Preparation book to study for the test on March 6, 2014 in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Yesterday, the College Board announced the second redesign of the SAT this century, it is scheduled to take effect in early 2016. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)The College Board announced it is discontinuing the subject tests and optional essay on the SAT for college applicants in the U.S. The decision comes following nearly a year of adaptability by students and colleges amid the coronavirus pandemic, which “accelerated a process already underway” to “reduce and simplify demands on students.,” College Board said in a note to members. U.S. students registered for subject tests will automatically have their registrations canceled and be refunded.
College Board to cut SAT essay section and subject tests
The College Board announced plans to scrap the optional essay portion of the SAT college entrance exam, as well as discontinue its SAT subject tests, major changes to the ubiquitous college application ritual as a growing number of schools have temporarily stopped requiring the exam due to the coronavirus pandemic. "As students and colleges adapt to new realities and changes to the college admissions process, the College Board is making sure our programs adapt with them," David Coleman, chief executive officer of the College Board, said in an emailed statement shared with CBS News. "The pandemic accelerated a process already underway at the College Board to simplify our work and reduce demands on students." The College Board also announced it would discontinue offering its SAT subject tests, a series of exams in 20 different specific topics intended to enhance a student's college application. Because the College Board has expanded its Advanced Placement availability for low-income students, the group said the SAT subject tests were "no longer necessary for students to show what they know."
cbsnews.comPositive COVID-19 test linked to in-person SAT exam at Lane Tech high school last week
At least one person who was at Lane Tech College Prep during SAT testing last week has tested positive for the coronavirus, according to an email from principal Brian Tennison. The email did not make clear how the person is associated with the school.
chicagotribune.comScores of Illinois high schools reopened Wednesday for SAT makeup exams. Critics say seniors don’t need the added test stress during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Even though many colleges and universities are dropping SAT and ACT test requirements, at least for 2021 applicants, Illinois high school students must still complete the SAT in order to get their diplomas. The Illinois State Board of Education is not waiving that rule for the class of 2021, though spokeswoman Jackie Matthews said districts can seek exemptions for individual students and that “no student will be prevented from graduating because they were unable to take the SAT.”
chicagotribune.comUniversity of California eases admission requirements to help students during COVID-19 pandemic
The University of California announced Wednesday that it will suspend admission testing requirements for students seeking to enroll in fall 2021, among other temporary measures, to help students during the coronavirus pandemic. The global pandemic has caused cancellations of standardized testing across the U.S. The College Board canceled all SAT sessions in March and May. In every situation, we are committed to finding opportunities through which all students, especially low income students, can distinguish themselves in admissions," the College Board said. UC said it understands that this measure may have an adverse effect on the incoming freshman class and high school students who wish to apply in the future.
cnbc.comCalifornia universities using SAT for admissions are violating civil rights, lawsuit claims
The University of California is being sued for requiring incoming students to take the SAT and ACT. The lawsuit claims that the tests have a well-known "discriminatory effect" and "exacerbate the inequities" for underrepresented students. The lawsuit says the University of California (UC) is legally obligated to provide equal access to all students. This barrier, the lawsuit claims, violates the state's equal protection guarantees, state education laws and civil rights laws. Since January, the university system's Standardized Testing Task Force has been looking at how standardized testing is being used for admission.
cbsnews.comU. of California leaders support dropping use of SAT, ACT
Top leaders at the University of California say they support dropping the SAT and ACT exams from admission requirement. "They really contribute to the inequities of our system," Christ said at a forum on college admissions at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Education. Jessica Howell, vice president of research with the College Board, which owns the SAT, defended the use of standardized tests. Brown said he was not opposed to all standardized tests. He said he prefers standardized tests that measure students by how much they've mastered academic courses required for UC admission.
chicagotribune.comGroups threaten to sue U. of California over SAT, ACT use
A coalition of California students and community groups is threatening to sue the University of California system unless it drops the SAT and ACT exams from its admissions requirements, arguing that the tests favor wealthy, white students at the expense of poorer black and Hispanic students. University of California officials declined to respond to the letter but said the system was already reviewing its use of standardized tests. "ACT test results reflect inequities in access and quality of education, shining a light on where they exist. Lawyer Mark Rosenbaum, who represents the groups going after the UC system, said the testing requirement is "the iceberg that the recent college admissions scandal was the tip of." In the admissions scandal, authorities alleged that parents paid up to $75,000 to rig their children's SAT and ACT scores, in some cases getting them nearly perfect scores.
chicagotribune.comNew SAT 'adversity score' no longer happening
Greg Kilday/CNN(CNN) - The nonprofit that administers the SAT college admissions test is replacing its "adversity score" with a tool that will not assign a single number combining high school and neighborhood information. The new tool will allow schools, students and families to see the same information about high schools and neighborhoods that colleges see. Colleges have long considered information regarding students' high schools and neighborhoods when making admissions decisions. College Board's announcement also comes after the massive college admissions scandal, which exposed affluent parents cheating the admissions system. "Landscape provides admissions officers more consistent background information so they can fairly consider every student, no matter where they live and learn."
Every charge and accusation facing the 33 parents in the college admissions scandal
One of them, referred to as CW-1, operated a college admissions business called The Key, as well as its nonprofit arm, The Key Worldwide Foundation. In December 2017 Gregory Colbun allegedly transferred $24,443.50 worth of stock to Key Worldwide Foundation. Flaxman allegedly participated in the college entrance exam scheme and the college recruitment scheme. Flaxman allegedly wired two payment of $120,000 each to Key Worldwide Foundation in 2016 to get his son into University of San Diego. On May 4, 2016 the Henriquez Family Trust is alleged to have made a $400,000 contribution to Key Worldwide Foundation.
cbsnews.comColleges dropping SAT/ACT admission requirements
George Washington University, a private school, says most students will not need to turn in SAT or ACT scores beginning next month. The "test optional" movement is part of the growing debate over standardized testing. The Atlantic senior editor Derek Thompson joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss how this could benefit students and the school itself.
cbsnews.comMore colleges dropping SAT score requirements
More colleges dropping SAT score requirements Traditionally, a big part of the college application process is taking the SAT exam. But, as Anna Werner reports, more educational institutions are rethinking the importance of standardized testing.
cbsnews.comPaul Simon, Edie Brickell make nice at court hearing
Paul Simon, Edie Brickell make nice at court hearing Paul Simon and wife Edie Brickell found themselves in front of a New Canann, Conn., courtroom on Monday after police responded to their home on Sat. Police said they were obligated to make an arrest because the incident could be considered domestic violence. Both Simon and Brickell stressed that an order of protection did not need to be issued.
cbsnews.comCollege Board eliminating essay, tough vocabulary from SAT
College Board eliminating essay, tough vocabulary from SAT The College Board announced Wednesday they will eliminate the mandatory essay and unusual vocabulary words from the SAT test. CBS News national correspondent Jim Axelrod reports on what effect the changes will have on the billion dollar test-prep industry.
cbsnews.comCollege Board announces major overhaul of SAT
College Board announces major overhaul of SAT The new SAT will return to a 1600 point scale, the essay will become optional and some vocabulary words will be replaced by words commonly used in college. The sweeping changes reflect feedback from educators that the SAT was not testing for skills that would best identify top students. Jim Axelrod reports.
cbsnews.comThe Majority Leader, The Perfect Score, The ascent of Alex Honnold
The Majority Leader, The Perfect Score, The ascent of Alex Honnold Lesley Stahl profiles House Majority Leader Eric Cantor; Then, Sam Eshaghoff tells how he was able to take the SAT and ACT college admissions exams for others; Also, Mountain climber Alex Honnold seems to defy gravity by scaling sheer, steep rock faces with no rope and apparently no fear.
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