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New SAT Will Focus More On Algebra And Reading Comprehension, Less On Vocabulary

Politico (4/16, Simon) reports on the recent changes to the SAT. In addition to noting the changes to vocabulary testing, the article says that “the exam now focuses intently on algebra” for its math section, adding that the essay is optional. The article adds that students may find new questions “confounding,” as the new test mimics Common Core exams and the first wave of students taking the SAT in 2016 will have little exposure to the Common Core tests. College Board President David Coleman said, “We aim to offer worthy challenges, not artificial obstacles.” The article speculates that Coleman seeks to revitalize the SAT brand, which has lost market share to the ACT. The article also provides sample questions from the new exam.

 

Common Core Language Arts Curriculum Focuses On Close Reading

NPR’s Morning Edition (4/9, 5:08 a.m. EDT) broadcast a segment on the controversy surrounding the Common Core Standards for English, which are focused on “tough reading, making sure kids are able to form ideas about what they read and to support those ideas in writing with evidence.” The segment describes a classroom lesson in which middle school students in Stratford, Vermont exercise “close reading,” noting that students “get a written assignment just about every week, based on readings you might easily find on a college syllabus.” A transcript of this story can be seen here (4/10, Albright).

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