Wednesday, March 5, 2014

March 5, 2014.

College Board Shakes Up SAT Exam

"We must read it," he said. "You too. All members of the Brotherhood have to read it."

The organization that runs the SAT college-entrance exam in the U.S. is shaking up its format and scoring----and potentially the $1 billion test-preparation industry that has grown up around it----as it looks to narrow economic and demographic disparities in attaining higher education.

"You read it," she said with her eyes shut. "Read it aloud. That's the best way. Then you can explain it to me as you go."

Out are the fancy vocabulary words, mandatory essays and recently adopted 2,400-point grading scale. In are questions that demand more analysis and familiarity with a narrower range of subjects as well as a return to the 1,600-point scale. Also in the works is a partnership to offer free online tutoring to counter the advantage wealthier students can gain from private test-preparatory tutors.

The clock's hands said six, meaning eighteen. They had three or four hours ahead of them. He propped the book against his knees and began reading:

David Coleman, president of the College Board, which runs the test, said the SAT was out of touch with what students are learning and was perceived to be a better assessment of "privilege rather than merit."

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