Exam news 2018

Here are some notable exam news stories from 2018:

International Exams

  1. SAT and ACT scores to be optional for college admissions: In March 2018, the University of Chicago announced that it would no longer require SAT or ACT scores for admission, making it the first top-ranked university to do so.
  2. New SAT format: The College Board introduced a new SAT format in March 2018, which included a optional essay section and a redesigned scoring system.
  3. AP exams to be more challenging: In May 2018, the College Board announced that Advanced Placement (AP) exams would become more challenging, with a focus on deeper learning and critical thinking.

National Exams

  1. Common Core testing controversy: In 2018, several states, including Arizona, Oklahoma, and Indiana, opted out of using the Common Core-aligned PARCC and Smarter Balanced tests, citing concerns over the tests' validity and impact on student learning.
  2. NAEP scores show mixed results: The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) released its 2017 scores in October 2018, showing mixed results in reading and mathematics for 4th and 8th graders.
  3. New York State Regents exams to be reformed: In June 2018, New York State announced plans to reform its Regents exams, which would focus on more comprehensive assessments and better align with college and career readiness standards.

State-Specific Exams

  1. California's Smarter Balanced tests to be replaced: In May 2018, California announced plans to replace its Smarter Balanced tests with a new assessment system, which would focus on more authentic and performance-based assessments.
  2. Florida's FCAT to be replaced: In March 2018, Florida announced plans to replace its Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) with a new assessment system, which would focus on more comprehensive and performance-based assessments.
  3. Texas's STAAR tests to be reformed: In June 2018, Texas announced plans to reform its State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) tests, which would focus on more comprehensive and performance-based assessments.

Online and Digital Exams

  1. Online AP exams debut: In May 2018, the College Board launched its online AP exams, which allowed students to take AP exams from home or school.
  2. Digital SAT pilot program: In October 2018, the College Board launched a pilot program to test a digital version of the SAT, which would allow students to take the exam on a computer or tablet.

These are just a few of the notable exam news stories from 2018. If you're looking for more information on a specific exam or topic, feel free to ask!