CHALLENGING THE NEW DIGITAL SAT

In June I had the opportunity to present at the National Test Prep Association, alongside such esteemed colleagues as Mike Bergin of Chariot Learning in Rochester, NY, Amy Seeley of Seeley Test Pros in Cleveland, Ohio, and Janet Godwin, CEO of ACT, Inc. At the conference, Angela DelBrocco, Executive Director of SAT Program Management and Strategy, also presented about the New SAT. In this article, I will challenge some of what was reported about the test. The College Board reported that students prefer the embedded (computer) calculator provided to their own calculator. (Students are permitted to use either.) I always advise my students to use the calculator they are used to on test day. After having used the embedded calculator, I find it to have more capability and be more user friendly than even the best graphing calculator, but students must practice to become more familiar with it. Only if students practice will this make the test more accessible to everyone who takes it, and thus, more equitable. The test was also praised because students could start the test at different times. However, studies show that a 2.8 second break in concentration doubles the chance a student will make an error on a difficult question. Although starting the test at different times may be convenient for students, it will inevitably impact their scores by breaking their concentration. This is especially concerning for students with learning differences such as ADD and ADHD. Regardless of the perceived flaws of the test, it is still good that we will have a standardized national assessment that will cut through the fluff of inflated GPAs and padded college applications. Suggestion for a topic? You can reach me at Paul.Pscolka@ivymasters.com 732-485-6480 www.ivymasters.com