Feb 01, 2018
Why the change? California state assemblyman Patrick O’Donnell is spearheading Assembly Bill 1951, which, like past efforts, would replace the state’s 11th grade English language arts and math tests for the SAT or ACT. O’Donnell says the change would let “[school] districts decide the best assessment for 11th-grade students,” adding that “the SAT is more meaningful to students, and they take it more seriously.” Under the bill, districts opting for the SAT would be reimbursed for administering the tests.
Is it popular? The bill has “a huge coalition of districts” behind the proposed change, according to O’Donnell. In 2018, 30 California school districts already offer a free SAT school day to all students, a number that O’Donnell expects to soar once districts are given the resources and option to switch. But the bill faces opposition from several top state education officials, as well as in the State Assembly.
So, is there any hope of the bill passing? That’s TBD, as Assembly Bill 1951 heads to committee (where its predecessor met its fate) on March 1, 2018, so it’s fate is yet to be determined. If the bill were to become law, California would become the sixth state to use the SAT in place of state exams, following the lead of Delaware, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, and Michigan.
The bottom line for tutors… Some California districts that already offer free SAT days are turning to private learning academies, like the Khan Academy, to provide free test prep classes and online tutorials, starting in the 8th grade. Test prep and college readiness tutors are sure to be high demand.
banner image from https://edsource.org/2018/high-school-juniors-could-get-relief-from-test-fatigue-under-bill-to-offer-sat-for-11th-grade-test/593141
