A useful URL for bad test takers
The National Center for Fair & Open Testing, also known as FairTest, has compiled a database of 750 American colleges and universities that will not require most of their applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores this year. Check it out here.
FairTest, the nation's leading critic of the standardized testing movement, reports that more than 30 schools have eliminated admissions exam requirements since a new SAT was introducted in March 2005 and the ACT added an optional writing section. Goucher and Salisbury are among the Maryland institutions on the list.
Robert Schaeffer, public education director for FairTest, said in a press release: "The test-optional movement is nearing 'critical mass.' Each college that eliminates its entrance exams stimulates several more to reexamine their requirements."
FairTest argues that SAT and ACT results reflect racial, gender, language and income biases, are weak predictors of college academic performance and are "highly susceptible to coaching." Do you agree?
Baltimoresun.com's 
Comments
I sort of agree and disagree. I don't think that they're wrong, necessarily; I just don't think it matters.
A standardized testing system is far too practical to let go. Even if you're heavily coached, you still have to take the test, and the knowledge has to be with you for the duration of the exam. If you're not a good test-taker, you need to become one, at least for a year. Like life, expectations don't always play to our strengths, and making that adjustment -- even if temporary -- is part of life.
As an example, calculus was never a high point in high school, and I remember little of it now... but I sure did fake it for a year, because that's what was required.
Posted by: steegness | September 25, 2007 8:12 AM