ACT

March 29, 2019

Another push to expand use of SAT in California amid criticism of test

One bill would let school districts give the SAT or ACT to all students, at state expense; another calls on UC and CSU to consider phasing out the tests altogether.

John Fensterwald

March 14, 2019

Charities disavow links to mastermind of college bribery scheme despite online claims

Leaders of youth-serving organizations in California and elsewhere said William Singer, who pleaded guilty to orchestrating an elaborate fraud to skirt admission standards at elite universities, falsely claimed to be partnering with them to help low-income children go to college.

David Washburn

October 24, 2018

California's SAT scores rise, beat national averages

While overall scores rose, only 48 percent of California students did well enough on the SAT to be considered fully college ready. Ethnic disparities remain as well.

Larry Gordon

October 2, 2018

Small rise in California’s math and reading scores in 2018

There are signs of "encouragement" and "distress" in implementing the Common Core standards after four years of Smarter Balanced testing. There is also a dilemma: 11th-grade results.

John Fensterwald

September 30, 2018

Gov. Brown vetoes bill to let districts give SAT or ACT as 11th grade test

Dozens of districts are offering the tests at their own expense already, because scores on SAT and ACT, not Smarter Balanced, are what matters to high school juniors.

John Fensterwald

March 15, 2018

Don’t swap state tests like Smarter Balanced for SAT or ACT, report cautions

State Superintendent Torlakson and some superintendents are at odds on the issue. An analysis by the prominent nonprofit Achieve will add fuel to the debate.

John Fensterwald

January 31, 2018

High school juniors could get relief from test fatigue under bill to offer SAT for 11th-grade test

Patrick O’Donnell says students would benefit from subbing SAT or ACT for Smarter Balanced math and reading exams

John Fensterwald

September 26, 2017

Less than half of all students fully college-ready on revised SAT test

The test’s content was dramatically changed last year to align much more closely with subject material taught in high school. Gaps among racial groups persist in California and nationally.

Larry Gordon

March 7, 2017

Turf battle developing over who can test California's 11th-graders

SAT and Smarter Balanced explore the potential of a partnership, even as they compete for market share.

John Fensterwald

November 28, 2016

California students outpace U.S. average in pursuit of STEM study and careers

However, fewer than 1 percent nationwide are interested in teaching STEM subjects, a new ACT report finds.

Pat Maio