My kids aren't there yet, but I agree with these comments about the new SAT: You cannot score the writing component fairly.
Furthermore, I'm sure the observations in this passage will turn out to be true:
First, if a disappointed student has a plaintiffs' lawyer for the parent, the College Board has serious problems. Not only are there breach of contract issues and Section 1983 claims arising from the close connection between state governments and the College Board (the "new SAT" is believed by many to be the result of political pressure from the University of California's push to find ways to get around the state's ban on the use of race and gender in admissions), but the idea of a "guinea pig" cohort of students is very off-putting.
Second, look for the testing equivalent of a "flight to quality" --increased enrollment for the ACT, which hasn't overhauled its test and which will provide a useful comparison for students, beleaguered admissions officers, and of course, tort lawyers looking at the College Board's deep pockets.
In my town, kids have always taken the SAT. With the new testing, I'm sure many more will be switching to the ACT.
I feel for those kids and parents who are going through this now. Does anyone else have any first-hand observations or insights?
