Connecticut to Offer Free SAT In Place of SBAC Test

Connecticut’s 11th graders will have one less standardized test to worry about and parents will have one less bill to pay.

The U.S. Department of Education approved a waiver for the state that allows it to do away with the Smarter Balance Assessment Consortium or SBAC exam.

Gov. Dannel Malloy sought federal approval last fall.

Many high school students in the state opted out of the SBAC exam because they already had to worry about the SAT. More than 200 students opted out of the test at Staples High School in Westport.

Many parents and students said the test came at a time where students are preparing for advanced placement and SAT tests.

Now the SAT will be offered for free for all Connecticut students. It typically costs more than $50.

Malloy said that the move not only removes duplicative standardized testing, but also levels the playing field for students who couldn’t afford to take the SAT.

“While exams that test college readiness are essential to helping us gauge where we are as a state and help guide instruction, we are doing our part to mitigate over-testing - a common concern among parents,” Malloy said. “There’s a balance to be struck, and we’re working to reach it.”

State Department of Education Commissioner Dianna Wentzell said her department has been conversing with educational partners since last year about test burdens.

“This approval allows us to expand opportunity for students as it strengthens accountability to ensure that we deliver on our promise to prepare all students for success in college and careers,” she said.

College Board Chief of Assessment Cyndie Schmeiser said that the redesigned SAT is a better reflection of what Connecticut students are learning in classrooms.

“The College Board is committed to working closely with the state of Connecticut to ensure students, parents, and educators can take advantage of the opportunities our programs offer,” she said.

The exam now focuses on area of math that matter most for college and career readiness. It also moves away from obscure vocabulary words and shifts focus to use of relevant words in context. The guessing penalty has also been removed.

A committee was appointed by Malloy to study over-testing and more than $428,000 was given to 48 school districts to help them analyze the problem and reduce redundancies.

The state must administer testing in grades three through eight and once in high school under federal law. Many students already take SAT, advanced placement and other end of year exams.