Wednesday, March 12, 2014
The New SAT?
For this week's blog, you need to do a little research. Find articles on the new SAT that the college board is getting ready to launch. Is it a good idea? What are the reasons for changing the test? Are the reasons valid? Do you think the change will be successful? Make sure you cite at least two articles in your blog. Good luck.
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When I heard that new regulations were coming out for the SATs on CNN one morning, I was very intrigued and interested to know more, especially since I just took them for the first time last Saturday.
ReplyDeleteI soon learned that these new changes won't go into effect until the year 2016, but I still was curious, because I know that my younger brother who is in 8th grade now, will be affected by these upcoming changes.
Overall, I think that the changes are a positive one. Many people say that it is easy to do well on the SAT, because it is all about memorization with not a lot of logical thinking involved. One day in study hall, our guidance counselor, Mrs. Jill Struble, compared the new SATs to that of the ACTs. Although I haven't taken the ACTs yet, many people say they involve a lot more logical thinking. The new SAT standards will make the students think more and not memorize so much.
I definitely think it is a good thing that they are updating the SATs. The vocabulary seems to be way outdated. Plus, many parents are complaining that they are spending thousands of dollars for SAT prep classes for their children, when what they need to know for these tests should be learned in school in the first place. In short terms, they are modernizing the SAT for the 21st century students.
Besides the updated vocabulary, they are also making quite a number of other changes as well. For example, the essay portion will be optional. This makes sense especially since many colleges disregard the essay score anyways, but I do think having to write an essay on an unknown topic in 25 minutes is good practice for college. Another change is that students will not be penalized for guessing on a question. Additionally, the scoring will return to the 1600-point scale system.
As with anything that is bringing about new changes, it will take some time to become familiar with changes; however, in the long run, I think these new changes will help students overall.
Works Cited:
Arguelles, Randolf. "The New SAT Will Widen the Education Gap." The Wall Street Journal. Dow Jones & Company, 11 Mar. 2014. Web. 14 Mar. 2014. .
Lewin, Tamar. "A New SAT Aims to Realign With Schoolwork." The New York Times. The New York Times, 05 Mar. 2014. Web. 14 Mar. 2014. .
Tori, firstly I like what you said about your brother because I think even if people won't be taking the new SATs, they'll still be effected. Secondly I love what you said about it being "modernized" for students because the current SATs really aren't modern. And like you said, we'll find out for ourselves if this new test is effective. Wonderful work!
DeleteTori, I have to agree with Meaghan. I really enjoyed how you included your younger brother into your blog. It really showed how even if we specifically won't be taking the SATs when the changes are made, there still are people we know that will be. Great job!
DeleteTori, I also like how you talked about your brother because my sister is in the exact same boat. I like how you talked about parents getting frustrated paying for so much preparation classes when we should be already learning title in school. Good work!
DeleteRound nine. A little over four hours in. After tirelessly pushing through the first half, the second half had taken effort just to finish in time. Now the true enemy had appeared. In the last English section of the test pamphlet it had finally bared its fangs. One word fill ins. I read through the sentence carefully and got the basic idea of what verb would fit. Then my eyes wandered down to the five options. My heart stopped. Never had I heard a single one of those words. I bit my lip and twirled my pencil followed by a hesitant tap of the eraser on the answer sheet. Then the bubble was filled with little more than a fractured hope of doing well.
ReplyDeleteThe SATs are something that most every college bound student experiences. And, personally, I view the SATs as something like a right of passage. Once in college, it becomes the one thing that at least everyone has in common. But that does not mean that the SATs are fun or even pleasant, for that matter. The SATs have been used for years to measure students' abilities in almost the exact same manner. But in the spring of 2016, that will finally change.
There are many types of students out there who excel at different courses of study. Personally, while I think I am pretty good at English, I find the English section the most intimidating. But let me elaborate on that. I find English the most intimidating in the vocabulary section and that is because in math there is always SOMETHING that you can do. Even if you don't know the best way, there is still a way to find the answer. But with vocabulary, if you don't know the words you don't know the words. And maybe that's why I find the idea of getting rid of arcane language on the SATs appealing.
Getting rid of "arcane language" on the SATs had already become a controversial topic. Some say that America has begun to "dumb it down" so that the students will do better. Others, still, say that it's about time we get rid of this useless language since it's never used in real life. You don't find people walking down the street saying, "Let's agglomerate-". I don't even know how to finish that sentence! How is testing words that have no purpose in normal life useful? But at the same time, changing the tests kind of feels like running away...
Change is hard, that's been proven enough over the years. But oftentimes change is good. Yes the SATs are changing, but so is the rest of the world. At one point in time arcane language wasn't arcane, but now it is. Testing on what is recent and relevant to the times is an important factor of any good test. Does that mean arcane language and writing skills, as the written essay is being taken away too, need to be thrown out the door? No. It just means that fancy words aren't a determining factor in college readiness. Whether or not this approach will be effective, who can say? Only time will tell, and in 2016, we'll have all the time in the world to find out.
http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2014/03/10/behind-the-sat-the-good-and-bad-of-the-2016-redesign
https://www.collegeboard.org/delivering-opportunity/sat?s_kwcid=TC%7C7002%7Cnew%20sat%7C%7CS%7Cb%7C36162829124
Megs, I really like how you included both sides to the arguement especially in the paragraph about getting rid of the old language. My favorite part of your blog, however, was in your concluding paragraph when you mentioned how the SATs are changing but so is the rest of the world. Good job!
DeleteMeaghan, you are so creative with starting your blogs, it really catches my attention! Just like you think the SATs as 'a right of passage', I think many other students do as well. I didn't think twice about it when taking them because I knew If I wanted to get into college, that I would need to take them.
DeleteMeaghan, I agree with Tori. The begin of your blogs are always so fun and exciting. You did a good job of explaining the different changes. I also agree with change being hard but sometimes it is necessary. The world is changing everyday and the test might not be a bad change
DeleteGood job!
Meaghan, the way you started your blog was just perfect! I agree that unlike the English sections now, the math always has a way to find an answer, even if it's wrong. I like how you mentioned that the world itself is changing, not just the SAT test.
DeleteOverall, wonderful job!
Meaghan, you have such a way with words. You really caught my attention the way you began this. You should start your own blog, or talk show or something! I'm glad I wasn't the only one who was thrown off by a few of the vocab questions. Like you said, change is almost always hard. Hopefully the end product will be a success!
DeleteTaking the SATs has always been a big deal. Even when I was little, I remember my older sister taking the classes and practicing her vocabulary in preparation for the test. There was always three subjects covered: math, writing, and English. However, in the new version of the SATs, there will only be two subjects: English and math. That’s right, they’re making the essay optional. Personally, I do not think this is the right choice, but who knows, maybe it will be better for everyone in the long run.
ReplyDeleteU.S. News stated that the new version of the SATs will become more like the ACTs. By this they were referring to not being penalized for wrong answers and by challenging the taker to think more logically rather than just memorizing the material. Besides just focusing more on going deeper into ideas rather than broad, the taker of the test will have to provide evidence on how they acquired their answer.
In the new version of the exam, there will be more practical vocabulary. This means that the words chosen will be closer to words that could be found in college and in the work force rather than just older words used to impress friends and family. I think that updating the vocabulary on the test will benefit everyone taking the test because of how difficult it is to predict the old words that will be on the exam.
The last major change has to parts. One of the parts is that the SAT will be available in digital form as well as the paper form. Along with adding in the choice of digital test taking, calculators will not be able to be used for part of the math sections. This will require the student to think about what they are doing and reason out the problem rather than just putting numbers into a calculator and waiting for results.
It is proven that not a whole lot of people like change. However, I believe that the changes being made to the SATs will help benefit the takers in some ways, I feel it will harm them in others. The reason the test is being changed in the first place is to better prepare the students for college and then the work force. They want to encourage the taker to think more and memorize less.
Bidwell, Allie. "Behind the SAT: The Good and Bad of the 2016 Redesign." U.S. News. News & World Report LP., 10 Mar. 2014. Web. 15 Mar. 2014.
Dockterman, Eliana. "TIME." Time. Time, 05 Mar. 2014. Web. 15 Mar. 2014.
Jessica, you did a great job of explaining how the SAT was changing in the next couple of years. I forgot to mention in mine how the SAT will be offered digitally as well. However, I did not realize that the calculator will not allowed on all of the math sections. I am not sure what I think about that change. I feel like the calculator is a good way to check your work, even if you didn't use it to solve the problem.
DeleteGood job, Jessica. This was very informative! I didn't even think of the ACT's in comparison to this! I wonder if now they will be changing the ACT's too?
DeleteJess, this was a great blog. You really found good information and I like how you mentioned that it is starting to reflect the ACT. That was something else that I had noticed, too. And Felicia, you posed a good question about whether or not the ACT will respond to this with changes of its own. I guess we'll just have to wait and see!
DeleteThe new SAT changes have both positive and negative outcomes. I have not taking my SATs yet, but from what I here, they do not sound very fun. Although the new test changes are only occurring in 2016, I still feel it is important to know the changes as it will be affecting students right after us. I think it is good to do research and see the differences that will come with the new SATs in just two short years.
ReplyDeleteThe main goal of the new SAT test is to make it more realistic and fair for the students. One of the changes includes new vocabulary. They are planning to update the vocabulary and make it more practical for today's society. They are hoping that the new vocabulary will further help students with a college and the work force after graduating.
Another major change is making the essay optional. Many people say that seeing students writing in just one essay is not an efficient way to tell how good of a writer they are anyway. Since most colleges are now throwing out the essay, why waste time writing it. I think this is a good idea and a bad idea. It is good because maybe the student had a bad day and did not write well or just could not do well with the subject given to write about. However, I think the essay part was good to practice for college and now it is eliminated so the students are not being as challenged.
The next major change is a that guessing is now ok. Students will not loose points for an incorrect answer. I really like this change because I feel now students are too scared to answer sometimes because they do not want to loose points when guessing would make it easier.
One of the reasons for changing the SATs is because the creators want more students to take them, and right now the ACTs are becoming more popular because it is based more on logic than memorization. I feel that the changes are overall good, but at the same time are the hey lowering our standards? Maybe. Yes the test are easier, but if they are more practical and related to the real world the outcomes are probably more beneficial. I think if we were in 8th or 9th grade again we would absolutely love the changes because it would be easier for us. Unfortunately we missed the cutoff date by one or two years. Change is hard, but in there case it might be better once everyone adapts to it.
Bidwell, Allie. "Behind the SAT." US News. U.S.News & World Report, n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2014.
Dockterman, Eliana. "9 Things Changing on the New SAT | TIME." Time. Time, n.d. Web. 14 Mar. 2014.
Jolene, let me tell you, the SATs are nowhere near fun! Anyway, I like that you mentioned that the new SAT is focused on being more practical and useful to college and the workforce. Also, I agree that students are scared to guess on the SATs! I think the new rule that you will not be docked points for a wrong answer are great.
DeleteOverall, good work!
Jolene, for this blog I feel you are at a writing disadvantage because you have not taken the current SAT. Yes, it is very hard but reading the changes I do not feel it will be made much easier. The texts that are to be included are an assortment of different types and you need to justify some of your responses which can be very hard to do. The vocabulary may be easier but I feel overall the test will be hard if not prepared through resources such as the Khan Academy. The optional essay is nice but who knows what effect it will have because right now many colleges are not looking at it.
DeleteJolene, I like how you basically said that these changes will affect everyone. I agree that it is a great idea to not put a penalty on wrong answers. With higher confidence will come higher scores. I, personally, believe there are a few questions that I skipped that I would have got right if I was not too afraid of the point deductions. You also did a great job of explaining both sides of this controversy, particularly with the optional essay. I love how the test will be based more on logic than memorization. Great post, Jolene!
DeleteWhen I first heard that the SATs were going to be changed starting in the spring of 2016, I was a little upset. I had just taken the SATs a few days earlier, and I witnessed first-hand the level of difficulty they would be doing away with. Now that I really think about it, I believe its a smart choice to change the SAT test. It will actually reflect what is taught in high school, rather than through SAT prep books.
ReplyDeleteThe biggest change, in my eyes, would have to be making the essay portion optional. But, after I read how the that section would be changed, I would probably opt out if I were to still be taking in 2016. Test takers who choose to write the essay will have to read a passage and describe how the author forms their argument using evidence from the text. Although each test will have a different passage, they will all be required to answer the same question, which can be known ahead of time.
Another change in the SATs is how questions don't just want an answer. Some questions, especially in math, will have several centered around the same problem that force the test taker to truly uncover the route to finding the answer. In the English department, there will be at least one question asking for a quite from the passage to support their answer.
Almost all math questions will be focused on three areas: Problem Solving and Data Analysis, the Heart of Algebra, and Passport to Advanced Math. There will be other questions concerning different sections, but the majority will be these three key ones. Test takers will find themselves confronted with questions similar to those in college courses. Also, a lot of questions will ask the students to "solve problems in science, social science, career scenarios, and other real-life contexts (CollegeBoard)."
A change with the reading questions is also big. Test takers will not only have to critically read passages, they will also have to analyze charts and graphs that focus around "science, social science, and other majors and careers (CollegeBoard)." Students will also have to edit and revise parts of texts, rather than just finding the errors.
In addition to changes with the material on the test, some areas will have online SAT available. The new SAT will also be very similar to the ACT, which includes a Science section and an optional essay. Like the ACT, the SAT as of 2016 will omit deductions for wrong answers. This will encourage people to try their hardest on each question instead of skipping them.
Overall, I think the changes set for the 2016 SAT are great. Students and parents will not waste more time memorizing arcane vocabulary or money on SAT prep books, as everything on the test will be taught in high school. I think these positive changes will enhance the way people look at the SAT, and more people will choose to take the test.
Lewin, Tamar. "A New SAT Aims to Realign With Schoolwork." The New York Times. The New York Times Company, 5 Mar 2014. Web. 15 Mar 2014.
"Redesigned SAT." CollegeBoard. The College Board, 2014. Web 15 Mar 2014.
Natalie, I agree with you that I would probably opt out of the essay portion if I took the new SAT. I think it's great how they are changing the test so it is more realistic to the curriculum of high school but at the same time it is still challenging. The new SAT will be a great test to see how much information a student retains from the classroom.
DeleteNatalie, I, like Erin, also would opt out of the essay portion of the test. I just do not know if that part of the test counts for much. I think it is hard to judge one's writing ability based on one essay. I think the new changes to the SAT will help boost its status as a credible test. Many schools and states recommend the ACT and SAT subject tests, but hopefully this new SAT will be helpful to others applying to college.
DeleteNice job Natalie!
Every morning on my way to school, I listen to the radio. I have two problems with that though. One, I get frustrated when the station gets fuzzy. Two, I hate listening to the radio hosts talk. One morning, I started my car and turned on the radio. I was right about to change the station, but then something stopped me. They were talking about the SAT's. Now, I hadn't yet taken my SAT's. I was preparing to take them that weekend, so to say I was intrigued would be an understatement. I listening intently, every single change being stated made my smile bigger and bigger. My excitement kept growing. More relevant vocab, realistic problems, optional essay, and the best part, no penalty for wrong answers. I was so excited. Then three little words brought all the weight, and more, slamming back down on my shoulders, forcing me back down to earth. "Beggining in 2017." I was confused and upset. To what I understood in that moment, they were making the SAT's easier but I wouldn't benefit. Honestly, I was jealous, and still am a little bit. Although, now that I know more, I realize that they aren't exactly being "dumbed down" like I originally thought.
ReplyDeleteThe new SAT's are designed to be more practical, and more relatable to everyday life. I think this is a great idea! There are points i agree with, but also some that I disagree with. The one change that concerns me the most is the option of taking the SAT's on a computer. I just don't see that ending well. Anyone can do anything with computers, there are hackers and viruses and I can see a lot of problems resulting from this.
The SAT's havent been upgraded since, 2005, so it's about time we update the vocabulary. The vocabulary on the current tests may have been regularly used in colleges back then, but a lot can change in nine years. The words on the new test will be more relevant as compared to the ones on the current test.
The "no penalty for wrong answers" rule really threw me off. I'm not sure how I feel about it. Half of me thinks, "Oh my gosh, that is the greatest thing ever!" But then the other half of me fights back saying, "That makes no sense." The whole purpose of the test is to make it more life like and comparable to everyday life in the future. If I were to get a job as an engineer and I made a mistake while building a bridge, I'm pretty sure there would be some sort of penalty involved. I can understand why they are doing away with the point deduction. I would have loved to have that rule! For me, the pressure of choosing either to risk losing points or getting no points is what brought on the most anxiety. You have to look at it from two different angles. When looking at this rule as a student, I love it. That would take away so much of the pressure and stress. But on the outside looking in, it doesn't sound like the best idea. Personally, I think it could lead to carelessness with students putting less thought into their answers. I'm not saying this certain change is a bad idea or a good idea, this one still has me thinking.
My younger brother is a freshmen this year, meaning that his class will be the first to take this new test. I am excited for him, most of these new rules will work to his advantage I think. I can't wait until he takes his SAT's, the new and improved, so we can compare and talk about the differences.
"Redesigned SAT." - College Board. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Mar. 2014.
Writer, Kimberly Hefling Ap Education. "New SAT: The Essay Portion Is to Become Optional." ABC News. ABC News Network, n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2014.
Felicia, I really liked your anecdote. I also thought that test sounds more doable and get a little cheated that it wasn't the same for me, but I guess it had to happen to someone. You made really good points about the computer problems and no penalties. The no penalties thing bothered me too. But I guess we'll see if that's for te better or not. Fantastic job!
DeleteFelicia, I thought the beginning of your blog was very interesting. I also often get very annoyed with people who just talk on the radio. I agree with your thought that it is a good thing that the SAT is being updated because it has been a while since they have last been modified. I enjoyed how you argued about the no penalty for guessing on the new SAT. I think that it is kind of unique how the test is now because students have to make good decisions or else they will end up killing their score by guessing too much. Good job!
DeleteFelicia, your anecdote really brought your whole blog into perspective, I do not typically listen to the radio, so I never have had that experience but your story really made me think about what it is like. Great work!
DeleteThe new SAT is a revamp of the current SAT with a new twist, it is being made to align with high school curriculum and actually prepare the student for college. The point scale is different, the sections changed, and the essay portion optional. The reason for the change is to connect a high schooler's education to the actual testing. The old SAT was disconnected from the current curriculum and was full of different tricks to raise his or her score higher. The new SAT uses high level curriculum from teachers' classrooms for testing materials and there are no penalties for a wrong answer. The hope is to have students make an educated guess for the answers and be able to justify their response with concise reasoning.
ReplyDeleteI feel the change is a good idea because now the individual is being tested on real-life situations and mathematical equations. The students need to close read and analyze the portions of the English section and the passages read are from a broad range of topic from nonfiction to politics to social studies. Involving the optional essay, students know the prompt before hand and are able to prepare for it. It employs analyzing a writer's work and writing an essay on how he or she develops their argument throughout the course of the work.
I feel the new SAT will be more successful than the test now but will have a rocky start because of the overlapping students who took the one now and will take the new one. How will the test scores line up? Will students need to information colleges about which SAT they took? There are many different questions that could be asked and who knows how they will be answered.
Works Cited
https://www.collegeboard.org/delivering-opportunity/sat/redesign
http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/05/living/sat-test-changes-schools/
Erin, I like how you pointed out that the old SAT "was disconnected from the current curriculum". I also feel that the SAT, while I have not figured it out, can be very gimmicky. Some people have figured out the best way to guess, and the test became more of a test of one's guessing ability, then one's intelligence. I also like how you pointed out that the new SAT will use "high level curriculum". I heard that there will be higher level math concepts on the new SAT, such as some calculus and analysis. Finally, I also agree that the new SAT will have a rocky start. I bet some people will say that it is easier and that colleges should ignore it.
DeleteNice job Erin!
Upon hearing that there was a new SAT test format coming out, I was immediately intrigued. I always heard that the current SAT was gimmicky and many students could receive high scores using different test taking tricks. I also learned that the current essay does not require your information, such as quotes or facts, to be true. For instance, you can make a claim like “Theodore Roosevelt was born in Africa”, or something ridiculous like that. The new SAT changes will only take place in 2016, but I still think it is important to understand the changes for future generations, and how future students test scores will compare with current student test scores.
ReplyDeleteThe first big change is that the essay is now optional. If one is interested in taking the essay portion they will have to stay fifty minutes after the original testing. The new essay format will also ask students to consider a passage, analyze the author’s writing style, and use evidence to write a concrete essay. I think if I were taking the test in 2016 I would not opt-in for the essay. I am not sure about how many schools look at it, but I have heard that the essay section really does not matter. However, maybe this new essay format, which requires you to analyze and use evidence, will have a much bigger impact.
The reading and writing sections also have some changes. At least one passage in the reading section will focus on a historical document, such as the Declaration of Independence. The reading section is also supposed to focus on a broader scope of disciplines, such as science, literature, and social studies. In regards to the writing section, students will see less famous “SAT” words, and students will now need to analyze the context of the words.
The math section has some changes as well. In some sections of the math portion, students will not be allowed to use calculators. The math section will focus more on data analysis and real world problems (O'Connor, Patrick). Students may also have to use more advanced math concepts, such as some calculus or analysis.
One of the final changes and also one of the biggest changes is that students will no longer be penalized for a wrong answer. I think that is the best change. Before, students could figure out the best way to guess, and the test became more of a gimmick than an actual test. I think that by eliminating the penalty students will feel more confident in choosing their answers, and test scores will go up.
Students can prepare for the new SAT by using the new SAT prep created by College Board in cooperation with Khan Academy. College Board’s partnership with the free online resource is a way to cut back on the inequality surrounding expensive test materials (Gumbrecht, Jamie). Students should also plan on taking the ACT as well as the new SAT. Since the new SAT will be scored differently, colleges will have to get used to new scores, and they may be very skeptical at first. Thus, taking the ACT, which is not changing, will provide schools with two solid scores. It also gives students the benefit of the doubt if they score well on the new SAT and the regular ACT.
I think the new change to SAT will be successful. I think students will be more confident and test scores will skyrocket.
O'Connor, Patrick. "SAT Changes, and Advice for Ninth Graders." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 14 Mar. 2014. Web. 14 Mar. 2014.
Gumbrecht, Jamie. "Major Changes Coming to 2016 SAT Test: Here's What, How and Why." CNN. Cable News Network, 06 Mar. 2014. Web. 14 Mar. 2014.
Ian, I like how you explained that students will not just be memorizing SAT words anymore. They will definitely be required to fully understand the context of the word. I thought that the math section not allowing a calculator on every section was interesting too. Khan Academy is a good tool that a student can use to prepare for the SAT. Great work!
DeleteThe SAT has been a very important part of getting into college and later getting a good job. It only makes sense that should be updated and modernized to create a better fit for today's day in age. It is important that schools are changed that college board tests are changed too. Also, the education system has began to be reformed by the government. This has been done in ways such as common core. It is also essential that as these reforms occur that the college boards change.
ReplyDeletePossibly the most helpful change is the change to the vocabulary part of the test. I found that I knew most of the words, but some of them were a large stretch to understand. I believe that these new words, that are college words, will be more beneficial to the taker of the test. Learning and studying these new words will also take the benefits of knowing the to points beyond the SAT.
Another interesting aspect of the updated test will be the removal of the guessing penalty. This will be an extremely important help to the students taking the test. Without the penalty in could possible raise students tests by possibly enough to help them reach new levels in their collegiate schooling.
Making the essay portion of the test a basically separate test is perhaps the most notable change. Many schools do not look at the essay or writing scores as much as the other two sections so it makes more sense to have it almost as a separate test. Surely these major changes will be beneficial to the test takers and the college boards as a whole.
Works Cited
DeleteLewin, Tamar. "Major Changes in SAT Announced by College Board." The New York Times. The New York Times, 05 Mar. 2014. Web. 05 Mar. 2014. .
Austin, I agree with the points you made here. We need to be able to use these SATs to create a better opportunity for ourselves in college and these reforms will most likely help the students that it affects. You make a good point that since education is changing the tests should change too. Great job!
DeleteThe SAT is basically one of the most important tests that a person will take in their life. It is an exam that can measure how ready a high school student is for college. There is going to be a change in the SAT that will occur in the year of 2016. The change will not affect us, but it will make a difference for kids that are only a couple years younger. The new SAT is supposedly updating vocabulary and making the essay portion of the test optional. Some people are curious whether or not these changes will improve the test or actually make it worse than it is now.
ReplyDeleteThe new version of the SAT is going to have vocabulary that is relevant to today’s society. People feel that the SAT now is all about memorization. A good amount of the words on the SAT seem to be a bit outdated. The goal is that new vocabulary will be beneficial and give kids the opportunity to be prepared for the transition to college.
Another way that the exam is being altered is that the essay section is going to be optional. Previously, when kids were taking the SAT, they were required to complete the essay section. It is said that most colleges do not even truly look at the essay part of the test. It seems like having a student write only one essay is just not enough. It is difficult to be able to grade a student on their writing ability when there is only one short essay to look at.
The scoring of the new SAT will also be different from the old SAT. If a student were to take the test next month, he/she would receive one point for a correct answer, lose ¼ of a point for an incorrect answer, and receive zero points for skipping a question. The highest score possible on the test is a 2400. On the new SAT a correct answer is still worth one point, and there will be no reason to skip any question. A student should put an answer down for every question because the penalty for guessing an incorrect answer is being eradicated. The highest score possible on the test will be anywhere from 1600-2400 depending on if the student completes the essay section.
All in all, I believe that the changes to the SAT will improve the test. The reasons for making a change in the test are understandable. If the essay section of the test is not essential to most colleges, then it seems like that section should be made optional. This way the students can make their own decision on whether or not it would be beneficial for them to complete the section. Another thing that will help get more people to take the test is that the test will also be available on the computer. There is no doubt about it the SAT is taking a step in the right direction.
Lewin, Tamar. "Major Changes in SAT Announced by College Board." The New York Times. The New York Times, 05 Mar. 2014. Web. 05 Mar. 2014.
"Redesigned SAT." - College Board. Web. 13 Mar. 2014.
Drew, I liked the way that you explained the current vocabulary on the SAT as "outdated". I also enjoyed how you explained the scoring process in the SAT now compared to the redesigned one. I do find it interesting that the SAT is advancing so much that in certain places it will be available on the computer in 2016. However, I disagree with you on one point: the essay. I realize many colleges do not take that score into consideration; however, I do not think it is a good idea to make the essay optional. Nice work, overall, Drew!
DeleteDrew, I liked how you talked about the new essay format. I too found the new format will be more beneficial to colleges and for the sat in general. Good work.
DeleteAs stated by the college board, "When students open their SAT test books in spring 2016, they'll encounter an SAT that is more focused and useful than ever before." They plan on achieving this goal through eight major changes. Is this a good idea or a bad one?
ReplyDeleteThe first change involves analyzing and interpreting evidence, from within the text or graphic. The next change deals with the essay. Each person must read a passage and explain how the argument was developed. It will promote the critical thinking found on college campuses. However, there is an even larger change within the essay portion: it will be optional. The math sections are also mirroring the work needed for college readiness. Problems will be based more on real world situations, involving more history and science than ever before. For example, these questions may involve environmental issues, health problems, global events, political expansions, and more. The main objective is to prepare students for work in their field of study; the college board took into consideration the most common career choices in America today. The new SAT also strengthens a student's background by including texts from the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and other historical documents. Besides the optional essay, the other major difference is that there will not be a penalty for wrong answers. Students will only earn points for correct answers and they will not lose points for incorrect ones; therefore, students are encouraged to make educated guesses rather than skip questions.
The redesigned SAT focuses on the average high school curriculum while considering what a student needs to know for college. The changes, such as new vocabulary, are necessary for today's generation. Language, unlike most math problems, is constantly changing. Therefore, I believe this change is a good thing. The SAT should test students on current and relevant words and problems. However, I do not like how the essay will be optional. The last time I took the SAT, I actually quite enjoyed the writing portion for several reasons. First of all, it is the first section on the current SAT. I focused on logically constructing my thoughts, based on the prompt, into a clear and concise essay. I love how the essay is timed. People argue, "But that does not prove how great of a writer I am in 25 minutes." However, I am always up for a good challenge. I liked how it got my brain working. I became determined and was able to power through the rest of the exam. Now that it is optional, I think many students will opt out and, therefore, miss out on a great opportunity. I also do not like the idea that the redesigned SAT will share the essay prompt in advance, so students can prepare. I think the essay will turn into who can do the best research and memorize the information the best, instead of acknowledging students who think well and logically under pressure.
Overall, I am disappointed that the changes are only being made in 2016, a year after I graduate from high school. I think it would be extremely interesting to take the old and compare it to the new. The redesigned SAT looks like it has potential. I do not think it is being "dumbed down", instead I think it meets the needs of today's generation. Change is a hard thing, and it carries a lot of controversy with it. I, personally, see some positive differences and some flaws. I guess we will just have to wait to see if it is successful in 2016.
Works Cited
Bidwell, Allie. "Behind the SAT: The Good and Bad of the 2016 Redesign." U.S. News. News & World Report LP., 10 Mar. 2014. Web. 16 Mar. 2014.
"Redesigned SAT." CollegeBoard. The College Board, 2014. Web 16 Mar. 2014.
Sam, I would think that taking the comparative tests would be a great experience. I think that that would only be the true way to see which one would benefit the students more. I agree that the writing portion should not be optional, it is a great challenge. Great work!
DeleteWhen I heard about the new SAT, I have to admit I was a little jealous. The students that get to take the new and improved test won't have to stress about finishing a full length essay in 25 minutes, unless if they choose to do so. They won't have to worry about guessing on the problems that they aren't quite sure about. Students will be tested on subjects that they have learned in school and will not need to memorize archaic words that will most likely not be used on a common basis. While I'm sad I will not be able to take this revamped test, I am happy for the people that will.
ReplyDeleteThe SATs are such a huge weight for students to carry during the year, whenever they choose to take them, be that freshmen year or senior year. Many teachers had suggested, before the test was remodeled, that students take the test immediately after algebra II and then again after geometry. This is because most of the math on the test had to do with geometry and algebra. I know for myself and other individuals in our class, this suggestion means that the first time I would take the SAT would be sometimes after my eighth grade year. With the changes being made, for the math section at least, the information will line up better with material being taught in high schools.
Another benefit of this will affect the writing section if the SAT. I recently took the test, and every time before I take it, I like to research and see if any new strategies arose that would affect the way I took the test. I came upon an article from SparkNotes that had tips for students on the writing section. I was shocked. This article actually suggested that I make up details because the graders were actually looking for detail, not accuracy. I could have written that Bill Gates got his fortune from selling cattle in Europe during World War II, and according to this article, and a few others I'd seen, I would most likely receive a decent score. Now though, the essay will be an analysis of another writer's work. This will require that each student actually have knowledge about what they are reading and must be able to successfully analyze a literary work. This might also encourage more students to take AP Language courses, as this is one of the major points it focuses on.
One of the major criticisms that CollegeBoard is receiving, however, is that it is using this to market the SAT. In recent years, the ACT has surpassed the SAT in amount if test takers. The ACT has certain pros that undermine the SAT for some students, like those more interested in the sciences. But now, the SAT has changed so that it is a better competitor against the SAT. It will be offered in both print and on the computer. More people will be able to have fees waived if they cannot afford it. Better test preparation will be offered on Khan Academy and other platforms. Frankly, I believe that the competition from the ACT has made the SAT step up its game so that students will feel more comfortable taking it, and colleges will feel better about using its data.
Change is always hard to accept, especially with something as big as the SAT. But I believe that after the dust settles, many people will find that the changes being made to the test will benefit the future takers, and hopefully the supposed improvements will reflect that in their test scores. But for now, all we can do is wait and watch until the class of 2017 steps up to the plate.
Jaschik, Scott. "College Board Unveils New SAT, with Major Overhaul for Writing Exam." Inside Higher Ed. Inside Higher Ed, 5 Mar. 2014. Web. 16 Mar. 2014. .
"Redesigned SAT." College Board. CollegeBoard, n.d. Web. 13 Mar. 2014. .
Han, I too was extremely jealous, especially because I am a horrible test taker myself. I think it would be great for more students to get involved in ap English courses. Great thinking!
DeleteTaking the SAT test is very stressful. For students looking at colleges, some are extremely dependent on the test scores you receive on the SAT tests. The college board is looking at this in a negative way. If students have really good grades and succeed in school, but are nervous the day if the SAT test and so poorly, they are punished in terms of college. This may hinder the possibilities of the colleges they go to or how much of a scholarship they can get. So, college board looked at the tests and decided that there needed to be some adjustments made.
ReplyDeleteThe first adjustment that I think could be helpful is that students can now take the SAT test on the computer. In our new generation, this may allow for a less stressful environment for students. This also may cause more problems with cheating on the test.
In the math sections, they are changing is so that in some sections you cannot use a calculator. This is a great idea because it will challenge students to do the math in their own hear instead of plugging it into a calculator.
For the English section, I think it is a very bad idea to lower the vocabulary level. This is allowing kids to not be challenged, if the test is made to be too easy everyone would do well and it would not be an accurate measurement.
Even thought the test is not ideal as it is right now, I think that the college board should carefully examine the tests that they are going to give in 2016. This new test is a good idea, but there are still some things that could be fixed. Some colleges rely less and less on them, but it is still a factor. When your entire future weighs on one test, that test should be handles with extreme care and caution.
Work cited
"Big Changes In Store For SAT Test." CBS Minnesota. N.p., 6 Mar. 2014. Web. 16 Mar. 2014. .
Mirengoff, Paul. "Common Core and the New SAT." Power Line. N.p., 13 Mar. 2014. Web. 16 Mar. 2014. .