The SAT, has recently transitioned to a digital format, creating a significant shift in how students prepare for and experience this examination. The change is targeted to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of the test, and to align more closely with contemporary educational practices and the needs of the modern learner. Understanding the Transition The College Board, (the organization behind the SAT), announced that the 2024 SAT’s will be in a digital format, with the goal of creating a more user-friendly, and secure testing environment. This transition was determined by feedback from educators, students, and colleges regarding the need for a more adaptable testing format. For better or for worse, as students are increasingly learning in digital environments— the SAT had to evolve to mirror these changes. The Advantages to the Digital SAT One of the most apparent changes is that the digital SAT will be a shorter test: it is now approximately two hours compared to the previous 3 hours. The traditional SAT was lengthy and sometimes caused fatigue, or focus issues among test-takers. So the new format is purportedly more focused allowing for more efficient assessments. However, it is important to note still covers the same core areas: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math. A surprising feature of the digital SAT is that it will incorporate a “computer-adaptive” model, meaning that the difficulty of questions can adjust in real-time based on a student’s responses. So, if a student answers a question correctly, the next question will likely be more challenging, likewise, if a student gets a question wrong, the next one will be slightly easier. The idea is to provide a more personalized assessment of each student’s capabilities, while creating a more but accurate measurement of their particular knowledge and skills, creating a shorter test. However, it is important to note that students who get the easier second section won’t be able to get the highest score of 1600. The new digital format also allows for accessibility features, like screen magnification, text-to-speech, and the option for extended time so that students with disabilities will receive the support they need to perform their highest scores. Enhanced Security and Integrity The College Board has enforced measures to safeguard against cheating and ensure the authenticity of each test-taker’s work. Biometric checks and randomized question pools will help maintain the reliability of scores while providing a fair testing environment for all students. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR THE NEW FORMAT? Many resources will adapt to incorporate the digital format, practice tests and preparatory materials will be done on a computer so the student is comfortable with the technology. For the most part studying and preparing for the actual material remains the same with 2 noted difference. *Rather than nine long passages with multiple questions, students will read more than 50 short reading passages, with a single question each. *Students can use a built-in graphing calculator on the entire test rather than having separate calculator and non-calculator sections. HOW THE TEST IS ADMINISTERED The test can be taken on a school issued or personal device, however it cannot be taken at home or on a cell phone. If a student does not have a laptop College Board will administer if you state it at registration. Students must download and take the test in the College Board’s Bluebook app. It uses minimal bandwidth and can go offline without disrupting the test- if connection is lost the work should be saved and re-encrypted until the connection is restored.As students won’t necessarily have to travel to designated test centers, the SAT more accessible to a larger pool of test-takers. Check with your schools and College Board as to your options for location.*Students should get their results in a few days, rather than waiting weeks. In conclusion, this is a step towards greater educational equity. By moving toward a digital format, which can be more easily administered in diverse environments, the SAT can reach a broader range of students, including those in under-resourced areas. The digital format may lead to increased access to the test, as well as offering more adaptability for those who require accessibility features. And as always, Elite Tutoring has the tutors you need to help your student reach their SAT potential.
There is quite a buzz in the air concerning the new SAT. The current SAT will be available until March 2016; after this date only the new SAT will be available. How is the “new” SAT effecting education, high school, college entrance, and tutoring? The new SAT and Education: The new SAT will implement the Common Core Standards. Student’s abilities in math, reading, and writing will be tested and measured. Students must master these standards in order to score well on the new SAT. Educators teaching these standards face increased pressure, especially since the new SAT will debut early next year. Teachers must help students gain a deeper understanding and guide them in applying their understanding and knowledge in day-to-day and real-life situations. The new SAT and High School: Current high school students must be prepared in advance for changes in the new SAT. Some students may have the option of taking both the current and new SAT exams. Freshman and sophomores have the option to take both. Current juniors and seniors will not need to take the new SAT and will take the current SAT, since the new exam will not be implemented until 2016. The new SAT and College Entrance: In order to gain the best entrance scores, students must do well on the new SAT, which is more challenging than the current SAT. The questions are harder and will take longer to answer. The essay will be optional, although it will be a more challenging. Some math sections will no longer allow caculators and students will see more algebra problems. Understanding Common Core Standards and the ability to implement these standards are the key to success with the new SAT. The new SAT and Tutoring: Private educators, such as tutors, have already experienced an increase in inquiries from students and parents concerning the new SAT. It is important to get ahead of the game now since students will no longer be able to “cram” for the exam. The time in now to start preparing for the new SAT! Contact Elite Home Tutoring for questions and additional information concerning the “new” SAT, www.elitehometutoring.com