Format Changes Made To Standardized Testing
As the PSAT/SAT goes online, students must adapt to the new arrangement.
By Maddie McMahon
As the PSAT/SAT goes online, students must adapt to the new arrangement.
By Maddie McMahon
The College Board has decided that the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test and the Scholastic Aptitude Test will be taken online this year. Most people had expected the change to happen, but the change taking place this soon was unexpected.
It had been speculated that College Board would decide to change the PSAT/SAT to an online format, but even administrators such as Erin Cahill, Assistant Principal of Student Services, are unsure as to why College Board decided to make this change now.
“I don’t know that I know the entire official story, I know that with the SBAC transitioning to digital and I think College Board wanted to move to digital. I don’t know why now,” said Cahill.
Some tests such as the Northwest Evaluation Association, have provided students with the experience of taking a test with an online format.
Although students have online experience, Katie Vezien, 12, feels there are benefits to paper testing.
“I felt much more focused while taking the SAT, which was on paper, compared to taking the NWEA online. If I am unsure of a question it is much easier to skip it and return to it later during the SAT than the NWEA,” said Vezien.
Each person is going to have a different preference when it comes to which testing format is beneficial for them.
“There is an advantage to both, but it depends on the student and what they are most comfortable using. I think a paper SAT would help students concentrate, but an online SAT would be completed faster,” said Evelina Ledakaite, 10.
Out of 101 students surveyed, 50 voted they would rather take the PSAT/SAT on paper, the other 51 students voted they would rather take the PSAT/SAT online. Aidan Douglas, 11, feels that there are pros and cons to both formats.
“The freedom and ability to copy and paste quotes, utilize familiar resources, and be able to do calculations without error can be useful for tests, but I think that the free space given for the paper tests could be a positive that combats the positive of online,” said Douglas.
On the other hand, the online format would allow students with an expectation for the way our generation is shifting to be more based around technology. Students such as Parsa Ileslamlou, 11, are ready for the change in format.
“I would prefer to take the SAT online because it should be easier to navigate through questions, and it being online would ensure nobody goes back to the past sections; altering their answers and getting an unfair advantage,” said Ileslamlou.
This newer online testing is implemented across the nation, this brings advantages and disadvantages for students. With students being familiar with digital learning platforms such as Google Classroom and Canvas, it seemed as though the next step would be to move tests to a digital platform.
“I do think that many programs are trying to use technology as our world is shifting towards using technology in every realm, so providing opportunities for students to have their education align to the requirements in the real world, I think it’s becoming definitely a norm,” said Cahill.
It had been speculated that College Board would decide to change the PSAT/SAT to an online format, but even administrators such as Erin Cahill, Assistant Principal of Student Services, are unsure as to why College Board decided to make this change now.
“I don’t know that I know the entire official story, I know that with the SBAC transitioning to digital and I think College Board wanted to move to digital. I don’t know why now,” said Cahill.
Some tests such as the Northwest Evaluation Association, have provided students with the experience of taking a test with an online format.
Although students have online experience, Katie Vezien, 12, feels there are benefits to paper testing.
“I felt much more focused while taking the SAT, which was on paper, compared to taking the NWEA online. If I am unsure of a question it is much easier to skip it and return to it later during the SAT than the NWEA,” said Vezien.
Each person is going to have a different preference when it comes to which testing format is beneficial for them.
“There is an advantage to both, but it depends on the student and what they are most comfortable using. I think a paper SAT would help students concentrate, but an online SAT would be completed faster,” said Evelina Ledakaite, 10.
Out of 101 students surveyed, 50 voted they would rather take the PSAT/SAT on paper, the other 51 students voted they would rather take the PSAT/SAT online. Aidan Douglas, 11, feels that there are pros and cons to both formats.
“The freedom and ability to copy and paste quotes, utilize familiar resources, and be able to do calculations without error can be useful for tests, but I think that the free space given for the paper tests could be a positive that combats the positive of online,” said Douglas.
On the other hand, the online format would allow students with an expectation for the way our generation is shifting to be more based around technology. Students such as Parsa Ileslamlou, 11, are ready for the change in format.
“I would prefer to take the SAT online because it should be easier to navigate through questions, and it being online would ensure nobody goes back to the past sections; altering their answers and getting an unfair advantage,” said Ileslamlou.
This newer online testing is implemented across the nation, this brings advantages and disadvantages for students. With students being familiar with digital learning platforms such as Google Classroom and Canvas, it seemed as though the next step would be to move tests to a digital platform.
“I do think that many programs are trying to use technology as our world is shifting towards using technology in every realm, so providing opportunities for students to have their education align to the requirements in the real world, I think it’s becoming definitely a norm,” said Cahill.