[UPDATE 5-9-14]
College Board released information concerning the redesign of the new SAT and what it will look like when the changes take place, including sample questions.
Questions released showed the inclusion of American history, such as a reading passage released used in Representative Barbara Jordan’s speech during Nixon’s impeachment. Every test will also include a passage from a United States founding document. In addition, vocabulary will change from abstract to vocabulary used in everyday day life, as well as in the classroom. College Board stated that the math section of the SAT will concentrate on areas that matter most for college and career readiness and success. Sophomore John Stricklin, a member of the baseball team, plans to take the SAT and is not worried about the changes.
“It seems much smarter,” Stricklin said.
Other changes to the SAT will include no extra penalty for wrong answers, returning to a 1,600 point scale, an online option of the SAT and the essay portion of the test will change from mandatory to optional. Although the essay will change to optional, some school districts and colleges will require it. The time allowed for each subject and the number of questions will also decrease.
Sophomore Natalie Gaona plans on taking the SAT both junior and senior year and looks forward to the changes to the SAT in 2016.
“I like the fact they’re changing it, because it’s been the same for so long,” Gaona said. “I think making the test more adjusted to what we’re learning in school is better for us.”
[ORIGINAL POST 3-7-14]
The College Board announced changes to SAT tests on Wednesday afternoon. These changes are the first made since 2005 and will take effect in 2016, which makes this year’s freshmen the first to take the new test. Here are some of the changes.
No Essay Required
With the new changes the SAT has an optional essay section scored separately from the rest of the test. Colleges will decide whether they will require their applicants to complete the essay.
Essay
Previous prompts asked students to write about about their opinion on a short passage or quote. The new essay prompt will require students to analyze a prompt and the evidence and arguments the author used.
New Scoring Method
The new SAT will be scored on a 1600 point scale, 800 from math and 800 from reading. The new test will not penalize students for wrong answers but only give points for right answers.
Mrs. Sykes, math teacher and UIL coordinator for Legacy, believes that these provisions make the SAT more like the ACT.
“I think it’s beneficial having two different tests,” Sykes said. “With the tests becoming more similar, it begs the question why have two different college entrance exams?”
Math
A calculator will only be allowed in certain math sections. The math portion of the test will focus on algebra, problem solving and data analysis and multistep and extended thinking problems. These points of focus provide more students with college readiness.
“Changing the grading policy of the test makes it more like traditional grading in high school and college,” Sykes said. “Now they can use their traditional strategies for [the SAT] as well.”
Vocabulary
The SAT received criticism for testing students on obscure vocabulary words and is now refocusing on words that are more commonly used in college courses and the workforce.
Test Preparation
College Board will have complete transparency of the test and release sample questions so there is no mystery as to what the test will cover.
Technology
The redesigned SAT will be available on print and on computers.
“Computer testing for math can be a little more difficult,” Sykes said. “Students are less likely to write down scratch work when the test is on the computer.”
Reading
The reading section will include in depth analysis of the passage. Students will analyze the passage and arguments used.
According to petersons.com, the changes made to the SAT in 2005 better reflected students’ writing abilities. The current revisions are being made to better show college readiness.
