As Texas encourages minorities to take the SAT, average scores drop

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Is Texas better off with the SAT candidate pool being less diverse if that means higher average scores? Or is it preferable to have wider participation even if it means a lowering of test scores? Discuss.

AUSTIN – Texas students slipped in all three subjects on the SAT this year, widening the long-running gap between them and their counterparts across the country on the college entrance exam.

A report from the College Board on Monday showed that Texas scores dropped two points in both reading (484) and writing (473), and one point in math (505). The national averages increased a point in math to 516 and remained unchanged in reading at 501. The writing average dipped a point to 492.

...

State Education Commissioner Robert Scott pointed to increases in the number of minority students taking the SAT as a positive sign despite the setbacks in average scores.

"I'm proud to see that Texas not only leads the nation with the largest increase in test takers, but also shows some of the greatest participation gains for college-bound minority students," he said.

...

Test scores of minority students in Texas trailed those of white students by a significant margin. White students from the Class of 2010 had an average math score of 543, compared with an average 437 for black students and 475 for Mexican-American students.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/texassouthwest/stories/DN-sat_14tex.ART.State.Edition1.3588773.html

[Saddle Bronc 124]

How about use an unfair, but SAT-free method for evaluation--such as an effective-writing (essay) exam?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

There have been studies that have determined that SAT's have a racial/cultural bias.

Edited September 21, 2010 by El Buscador

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How about use an unfair, but SAT-free method for evaluation--such as an effective-writing (essay) exam?

Why?

There have been studies that have determined that SAT's have a racial/cultural bias.

Which explains why Indian kids taking the test in New Delhi with very little exposure to American Caucasian culture do so well. Give me a break, Steven.

[Danno 1,228]

There have been studies that have determined that SAT's have a racial/cultural bias.

But of course.

Which standardized tests would you embrace?

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But of course.

Which standardized tests would you embrace?

He wouldn't. Assigning scores to children is demoralizing and bad for their self esteem. Never measure, only feel.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

How about use an unfair, but SAT-free method for evaluation--such as an effective-writing (essay) exam?

I took a CBEST test several months ago to qualify as a substitute teacher. Part of the exam was written (essay). While the grading may be more subjective, it does demonstrate the writing aptitude of the candidates much better than multiple choice.

[^_^ 5,021]

I took a CBEST test several months ago to qualify as a substitute teacher. Part of the exam was written (essay). While the grading may be more subjective, it does demonstrate the writing aptitude of the candidates much better than multiple choice.

Unfortunately, an essay test can't test for quantitative skills. Besides that I agree - writing skills are revealing and important.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

But of course.

Which standardized tests would you embrace?

One which doesn't demonstrate a race/gender/cultural bias.

Unfortunately, an essay test can't test for quantitative skills. Besides that I agree - writing skills are revealing and important.

Yep. The test was in 4 parts, writing was just one.

[^_^ 5,021]

One which doesn't demonstrate a race/gender/cultural bias.

You ignore, of course, how well foreign students do on these tests. As do all the "studies" you like to quote. These "studies" have agendas, to cover up for how inherently stupid certain people are.

[Saddle Bronc 124]

Why?

See the admission standards of MRU and UCalgary, both of which use such a system--in a country with an ultra-ultra-ultra-similar "culture" to US

Which explains why Indian kids taking the test in New Delhi with very little exposure to American Caucasian culture do so well. Give me a break, Steven.

And that is with LOTS of distractions (I haven't yet seen a test-taking building in India which is nicely insulated from the chaotic noise outside) to boot.

[^_^ 5,021]

And that is with LOTS of distractions (I haven't yet seen a test-taking building in India which is nicely insulated from the chaotic noise outside) to boot.

Good point. And yet they do very well. Cultural/racial bias my a s s.

[Obama 2012 1,714]

Tests are racially/culturally biased?

Oh Steve you never fail to amuse me.

Yes, 1+1=2 is very very white! Oh how I forget!!!

[The_Dude 1,142]

AJ, leave the hippy alone.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Doesn't matter. SAT scores have no direct value except individually. However, encouraging people less skilled will have the effect of moving better (or average) skilled students into higher percentiles, so it could be good for my kids, I doubt it will make any difference for me so I really don't care.