SATs No Longer Required?

Posted on Feb 6, 2012 10:14:36 AM

Each year, hopeful young students turn to the books to prepare for the SAT and ACT tests, hoping to earn scores worthy of their chosen colleges. Yet, some schools are no longer relying on these tests as part of their admission requirements. For test-anxious high school seniors, and their parents who foot the bill for testing, this could be welcome news.

Testing may not point to college success

Why are schools ditching the common way of assessing potential students? According to a study reported by USA Today, these tests may not be a valid indicator of future college success—at least not to the point that was once believed. In the study, all four main parts of the ACT test were considered, and only two were shown to be predictive of future college success.

Tests may be racially biased

In a 2010 study reported by Inside Higher Ed, researchers found that parts of the SAT are racially biased, causing students of color to score lower than white students because of race alone, not because of economic or academic factors. Some schools feel this is enough of a reason to stop relying on SAT tests, particularly if they want a diverse student body.

Pros and cons for students

Students who are interested in college will either love or hate this trend. Those who score well will want test scores to remain a deciding factor on their admission, while those who struggle with testing will rejoice in the ability to let their other qualities represent them on applications. There seems to be quite an interest in test-optional institutions, as according to the Washington Post, FairTest’s online database of these schools draws over 200,000 unique visitors each year.

Are there any cons to this new trend? A stronger emphasis on high school GPA could be problematic for some students who are not serious about their studies early in their high school careers. This trend could also the job of admissions more difficult, because they will need to rely on grades, references and entrance essays more so than a cut-and-dried number.

The future of education without SATs

What does this trend mean for the future of higher education? Less of an emphasis on testing will likely lead to more diverse student bodies. Students who have strong skills but poor test grades will now have more options available to them. More of a focus on high school GPAs will be a likely part of the admissions process. And with the rising popularity of online education, entrance tests are becoming unnecessary—many online schools don’t require SAT or ACT scores to admit students, and rely instead on high school grades or other factors.

Right now, the SAT and ACT tests are still important for those looking to pursue a college degree. There are simply not enough schools dropping this requirement to avoid testing altogether, yet the trend is growing. For many students, all of these changes are welcome as they strive to get into the best possible schools, even with poor test scores.

Danielle writes on behalf of AIU. She is enjoys reading, running and walking her new puppy.

Rural Schooling

Posted on Jan 2, 2012 04:08:53 PM

A rural school is defined by having fewer than 600 students in its district. Rural institutions dot every state in the country but are often overlooked. Follow these tips to see things a parent should consider before enrolling his/her children in a country school as well as the challenges and advantages of a rural education.

Challenges

In structuring the American education system, the focus is generally put on large urban schools. Only one in five students attend a rural school. Because improvements to these make a more noticeable impact, the needs of small rural schools can often be neglected. “Frontier Schools” found in extremely remote areas are doubly affected. These areas are often wrestling with poverty. If the school is relying on the taxation of its local citizens, then it might fail.

A smaller school may also not be able to cover the needs of every student. Schools with less than 100 students may not be able to fill up classes in certain grade levels. Students in less represented age groups will find themselves pushed up or back a year to remain with a crowd. Their distance from urban schools often carries over into technology. In such a tech savvy world, an education that can’t expose your child to the newest technology could set them up to be left behind.

Advantages

With a smaller school comes individualized attention. A teacher with 15-20 students to educate—opposed to 35—will be able to create closer, more nurturing relationships with his/her students. And the first step to a good education is a qualified, passionate teacher. Attending a rural school won’t guarantee a great teacher, but parents will certainly have a closer relationship to their child’s education.

Rural schools are often safer. The metal detectors, barbed wire fences and extensive surveillance systems of an urban school can resemble a minimum-security prison, while the average rural school is pleasantly more on par with home security or ADT. A child can’t learn in an environment where they don’t feel safe.

Things to Consider

Rural schools are less consistent than urban schools for both good and bad qualities. Because of this parents and guardians should examine a few key factors before enrolling their child in an institution. Despite the level of facilities a school may possess, it is the leadership in a school or school district that will most directly affect your child. Fantastic and unimpressive schools alike can be turned around by a group of passionate educators.

Get friendly with the administration of your child’s potential school. Find out the principal’s job history and views on what makes a good education. You should also check-in with the teachers. Don’t just see which teacher your child would have this year, look down the line as well. Will your child have several years of strong teachers? How do they feel about the school? Do they seem to come and go or be shuffled around frequently? You should look for a balance where the educators are encouraged to regularly update techniques but still have time to be familiar with their grade level/subject. If you find a host of balanced leaders, the school you’re looking at may just be perfect.