An Optional SAT: What Does this Mean for the ... - Education Closet

Today?s guest post comes from our friend, Jesse Langley, who appeared here on the break between Christmas and New Years. ?We welcome him back with this thought-provoking conversation piece on the place of the arts in our changing educational landscape.

With several new studies surfacing regarding the use of SAT scores for college admission, it?s not surprising that many liberal arts colleges in the U.S. News & World Report list of top 100 colleges are now offering test score-optional submissions. Almost 900 schools are now on the SAT optional list. For schools that specialize in the arts, evaluating a student based on his or her SAT score may not be the most effective way to measure that student?s creative talent.

A new look at standardized testing

The key issue for many colleges and universities that choose to move away from the SAT has to do with standardization: while standardized testing can help schools determine which students will be able to adjust to a more rigorous and focused academic program, it can also serve as a blind spot for other strengths and abilities. Making tests like the SAT optional can give students the choice to use other methods, such as essays, creative projects and interviews to showcase their talents.

In addition to top liberal arts colleges, many?online degree programs don?t require SAT scores and take a generally unorthodox approach to higher education. For students who thrive on freedom and autonomy, these alternative colleges can be a solid option for earning a degree while balancing personal responsibilities. Since every student has unique gifts and talents, the diversity of higher education opportunities is a great way to incorporate the variety of skills found among students.

Alternatives to the SAT??Students can easily be ?left behind? by the SAT because no portion of the test measures creative or artistic abilities. A math wiz can show off his or her talent, just as an excellent writer can evidence his or her ability. These subject areas, however, fail to address the wide variety of talent that naturally and expectedly exists in every high school. ??Many schools that allow optional standardized test score submissions often require, or offer substitutions for, a test score. This gives students the opportunity to submit a portfolio of artwork or a video that expresses their creative talents. Colleges and universities who offer these kinds of options also benefit from a more diverse student body and a faculty that can be encouraged to try new teaching and learning methods.

The future of admissions

Alternatives to SAT score submissions also allow admissions officials to evaluate students on a more personal level. Numbers have a way of dehumanizing individuals and make it very difficult to properly assess the positive effect a student might bring to the school. Although it may be more challenging for admissions officials to objectively critique artistic submissions, doing so will be a step in the right direction.???As SAT scores primarily cater to future evaluations of the school itself, this new trend in optional score submissions can revolutionize the way top schools in the country are measured. This is not to say that standardized test score submissions should be abolished completely; many students perform exceptionally well on the test and should be recognized for their success. There simply are other tools to evaluate intellect and capability. Thankfully, liberal arts colleges are discovering this and seem to be benefiting from the change.

Source: http://educationcloset.com/2012/02/28/an-optional-sat-what-does-this-mean-for-the-arts-guest-post/

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