Taking the SAT in March? No need to sharpen a pencil | CBS News
Big Changes Coming to the SAT: The Digital Revolution
American high school students have tackled the SAT for nearly a century, a rite of passage for many aspiring college-goers. But this spring, the plot has a major twist – the SAT is going digital! Starting next month, students in the U.S. will join their international counterparts in taking this standardized test on a tablet or laptop. It’s a seismic shift in standardized testing, and here’s what you need to know.
The new digital SAT will be shorter, giving students more time to answer questions. Reading passages are shorter, calculators can be used for the entire math section, and the test time has been trimmed from three hours to two. But what’s even more fascinating is the test’s adaptability. Questions change based on student performance, increasing test security and reducing stress levels.
Some students have mixed feelings about this change. While some prefer the digital format for its on-screen time indicators, others miss the traditional paper-and-pencil experience. Technical glitches have been a concern, but the College Board is working to address them. They’ve also ensured that students with limited internet access or devices can still participate.
Preparation is key to success in the digital SAT. Test familiarity can significantly affect scores, so practicing online is essential. The College Board offers digital practice tests and free SAT prep through Khan Academy.
But what about the ACT? It’s going digital, too, but students can choose between digital and paper versions. The ACT is keeping a paper option available to address concerns about internet connectivity………
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Rising Dough
In light of the digital transformation of standardized testing, how might these changes impact educational equity and access for students across different socioeconomic backgrounds?
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These changes impact educational equity and access for students across different socioeconomic backgrounds because students won’t have to buy a calculator, pencils, or paper to do the test. With the questions changing based on student performance, increasing test security and reducing stress levels then it can help students have an increase score.
The shift to digital standardized testing brings both benefits and challenges for educational equity. While it offers advantages such as flexibility and personalized testing, there are concerns about disparities in access to technology and digital literacy. Students lacking reliable internet or devices may face significant disadvantages, widening existing gaps. Additionally, familiarity with digital interfaces could affect performance, particularly for those from lower-income households. Proactive measures, such as providing resources and training, are essential to ensure equitable access and address emerging disparities promptly.
The change of going more online make it much more accessible to the average person. Although people that can’t afford a computer on anything online won’t have the same privilege as other students.