4/21/20: How to Ensure ACT and SAT Administrations are Ethical (Inside Higher Ed)

Last Wednesday, both SAT and ACT leadership announced that they would be pivoting this year’s standardized testing administration process in light of COVID-19. This is not surprising by public health standards, but unique in its timing—as both testing bodies have openly feuded over the years.

Both the SAT and ACT are piloting a digital, at-home version of their respective standardized tests. Again, not revolutionary given our new climate. But interesting from a PR standpoint. Between the two, the ACT is further along in test design and execution as leadership has announced a shift to online testing last school year even. What’s the impact of at-home testing?

• Testing integrity (How can SAT and ACT ensure academic honesty?)

• Digital ethics (How can SAT and ACT protect individual information, maintain test time blocks, and limit cheating?)

• Economy (testing centers, schools, local community colleges, and trained proctors who have been relied upon for the past few decades to ensure the testing process runs smoothly)

Of course, much more R&D is required to ensure these tests are administered without a hitch. But would those completely alter the formatting and very essence of each test? We’ll be awaiting additional information as it released and vow to keep you informed. Read more here.