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​New Changes for SAT Scoring, Questions, and More
posted by: Ruthie | March 06, 2014, 04:59 PM   


Yesterday, the College Board announced several new changes to the SAT. These changes include returning to a 1,600 scale, removing the penalty for wrong answers, making the essay optional, exchanging pretentious vocabulary words and math problems for more practical and useful questions, and aligning the test with the Common Core Standards.


The SAT has continually declined in popularity,
while the ACT has increased, largely because the ACT is more curriculum-based and measures more practical skills. According to College Board president, David Coleman, the new changes to the SAT will align it with the Common Core curriculum being taught in schools, and questions will measure real-world, practical skills.  For example, the math questions will measure algebra, data analysis, and technology and engineering abilities. Additionally, a calculator will only be allowed for a portion of the math section.

The test will also no longer include the essay.
David Coleman referenced the essay as a measure of coherency in writing, but incapable of measuring facts or accuracy. An optional essay will reward students for being factual, and mastering vocabulary, not fabricating the content of their essays. Similarly, reading comprehension questions will be based on historical documents.

While critics complain that wealthier students have more resources to afford expensive preparation for the SAT, the College Board is striving to level the playing field. In order to accomplish this goal, and help low-income students adjust to these new changes, the College Board will partner with Khan Academy to provide students with free preparation materials.  In addition, income-eligible students who take the SAT will receive four fee waivers to apply for college.

What do you think about these new changes? 
Comment below.

 
Comments (1)Add Comment
karenbracken5@gmail.com
written by Karen Bracken, March 09, 2014

In other words dumbing down standards was not enough they have to dumb down the SAT too. American parents better wake up and wake up soon. GET YOUR KIDS OUT OF THE SYSTEM and do it yesterday.

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