SAT and ACT

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.

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

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.

August 6, 2017

Growing number of California school districts offer students free college entrance exam

Three dozen California districts and charter networks say free tests raise expectations and remove a barrier for applying to college.

May 8, 2017

Free Khan Academy SAT tutorials boost scores, study finds

The free courses increased scores an average of 115 points from earlier and preliminary scores.

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.

February 23, 2017

California education officials reject Long Beach's request to replace statewide assessment with SAT

Citing duplication, the state's third-largest district sought to drop the 11th-grade Smarter Balanced test.

February 21, 2017

California students again rank 5th in latest AP exam scores

Advanced Placement exam scores in California have grown steadily over the past decade, with the state now ranking 5th nationally for the percentage of students earning scores that qualify for college credit.

Fermin Leal

College Readiness

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

Career Preparation

October 26, 2016

California awards $200 million to help more students become college ready

Nearly 1,000 school districts, county education offices and charter schools across California will share $200 million in state grants as part of an effort to prepare more high school students for college.