ing Test was the same as or easier than they expected; 80 percent said the vocabulary on the test would be useful to them later in life, compared with 55 percent in March 2015; and 59 percent of students said the math section tests the skills and knowledge needed for success in college and careers. Beyond surveying students about the test itself, students were also asked to give feedback on test preparation. “When I met with students, they said to me that they thought it was important that the field be leveled in regard to students having equal access to world-class test practice,” Montoya said. Consequently, the College Board added more comprehensive and accessible test-preparation services. Today, with the Board’s partnership with Khan Academy, it provides SAT courses and practice tests free-ofcharge, and all students have access to programs tailored to improving their weak areas and measuring skill levels. As a result, students are not only
10 • August 2016
able to improve their test scores, but also prepare more effectively for college. This is great news for Hispanics, low-performing students and those from underrepresented groups in higher education who haven’t had equal access to test practice services in the past. “Even very accomplished students said they spent a lot of time learning how to take the test rather than on improving skills they needed to succeed in college. So we created a personalized test-practice component that is focused on skills that are necessary for college success rather than on test-taking skills,” Montoya said. “What I love most about the test now is that it better assesses students’ readiness for college especially for those who tend to be at the low end of the admit group.” Since Khan Academy came on board in June 2015, more than 1.4 million students have taken advantage of its services—four times the total population of students who use
all commercial test prep classes in a year combined. “This is a game-changer,” Montoya said. “I was at a community board meeting, and they said that because of the success of Kahn Academy, they were able to save money and put money into other arenas.” Compared with March 2015 SAT administration, there was a 19 percent decrease in the number of students who paid for test prep services, and nearly half of all examinees who recently took the SAT prepared with Khan Academy. In addition, 98 percent of the examinees who prepared with the academy found it very helpful. With effective test preparation and testing that which matters most for students’ success, the College Board wanted to make the SAT an assessment that provided opportunities (and wasn’t just a vetting machine). “We want students to see the relevance of these tests and to associate them with opportunity,” Montoya said. “For Latinos, access is key,