If you’re not aware of it yet, the University of California is considering dropping SAT and ACT testing from their college admission process, citing that requiring the tests is discriminatory toward those who don’t test well, and those without the means to purchase pricey study programs. (LA Times 10/2/19)

Their comments alone are where the discrimination lies. They are first telling students who do just fine testing that their academic achievements for the past 12+ years don’t matter beyond high school graduation. You will be thrown in the pool with anyone and everyone that wants to apply and be chosen in some other manner. Maybe a lottery?

Then they are sending the message to students at large, that achievement and pushing their own learning process farther and farther is really of no value either. It won’t affect your ability to apply for college, so why even bother?

If you have worked in the educational community in the past decade you know this is true. Today’s student, as a rule, is not motivated by the value of knowledge and excellence. Even in AP and Pre-AP environments, many students are perfectly happy to pass, and not at all concerned about doing their best, or making honor rolls. That by itself sort of defiles the concept of Advanced Placement opportunities.

Cal’s decision will likely be a precursor for the choices many large American universities make regarding pre-admission testing. Making the wrong one will be the very epitome of the “You can’t put the genie back in the bottle,” theory.

This is like turning the high jump at a track meet into a limbo competition on the beach.

I’m just sayin’