When it comes to standardized testing, the SAT is like the floppy disk of data storage. As AI tools revolutionize the way we measure student knowledge, traditional testing methods are being challenged.
One of the major players in standardized testing, ETS, is stepping away from the SAT and focusing on new ways to assess student skills and persistence. This shift comes after a tumultuous period for ETS, with the pandemic prompting many colleges to make admissions tests optional and ETS announcing it will no longer administer the SAT for the College Board.
This change signals a larger rebranding effort for ETS, with a move towards “talent solutions” rather than just academic testing. Their new approach emphasizes measuring behaviors rather than cognitive abilities, looking at factors like perseverance and problem-solving strategies.
As part of this new direction, ETS has partnered with the Carnegie Foundation on the Skills for the Future initiative, which aims to reimagine assessments by incorporating data from students’ daily activities to track progress on essential skills like communication and critical thinking.
The initiative has the potential to provide valuable insights for students, families, and educators by visualizing skill development in a non-punitive way. By leveraging existing data, the program aims to create a more comprehensive understanding of students’ progress.
While AI tools offer exciting possibilities for the future of testing, experts warn of potential biases and pitfalls. Biases in training data could disproportionately impact underprivileged students, leading to inaccurate assessments and reinforcing inequalities.
Other test providers are also exploring the use of AI to create innovative test questions that assess students’ problem-solving approaches. For example, the upcoming PISA exam will include new “performance tasks” scored by AI to measure student skills.
McWilliams of ETS emphasizes the shift towards dynamic content generation through AI, allowing individuals to demonstrate their knowledge in more meaningful ways. This includes tools like Authentic Interview Prep, which uses AI to provide feedback on interview skills.
While the SAT still has a role to play, the focus is shifting towards creating content that supports people in their daily experiences, rather than just academic testing. The future of testing lies in innovative approaches that leverage AI to offer more personalized and insightful assessments.
