testers

 

Students in America’s schools will face a redesigned standardized test in the coming months.

Curators of the Spring 2016 SAT test books say they are more focused and useful than ever. The changes could boost the success rate of black students. Major changes are described below. 

From College Board:

The Basics

  • The redesigned SAT will first be given in spring 2016.
  • The SAT will be offered in print and, at selected locations, on computer.
  • There will be three sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, Math, and the Essay.
  • The length of the SAT will be about three hours, with an added 50 minutes for the essay. Precise timing will be finalized after further research.
  • The exam will once again be scored on a 400- to 1600-point scale. The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section and the Math section will each be scored on a 200- to 800-point scale. Scores for the Essay will be reported separately.

Read more at College Board

Throughout the history of both the SAT and ACT exams, African American students have maintained the lowest average scores out of all race groups. According to the ACT website, the national average for black students currently is 17 for the ACT, compared to 22 for white students.

African American students hold an average of 860 out of 1600 on the SAT, compared to 1,061 for white students.

 

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