ACT and/or SAT Graduation Requirement
How this solution would be implemented
This solution would be implemented by completely removing government testing. For this solution to be effective, it would need to become effective now for the current 8th graders. This way, the students have the maximum amount of time to fulfill this graduation requirement. If we were to make it a graduation requirement for next years seniors, some seniors will not have had the opportunity to take the tests. However, even though we will have to postpone the graduation requirement aspect of this solution, states will continue to no longer administer statewide tests. There will be a 4 year gap where no tests are required before the SATs or ACTs are required.
This solution would be implemented by completely removing government testing. For this solution to be effective, it would need to become effective now for the current 8th graders. This way, the students have the maximum amount of time to fulfill this graduation requirement. If we were to make it a graduation requirement for next years seniors, some seniors will not have had the opportunity to take the tests. However, even though we will have to postpone the graduation requirement aspect of this solution, states will continue to no longer administer statewide tests. There will be a 4 year gap where no tests are required before the SATs or ACTs are required.
Advantages of Solution
Costs
It would not be expensive to take away PARCC testing. The only reason the costs would be high is because of the amount of money already invested into PARCC that would be wasted. However, no more money will need to be spent as the SAT and ACT are already developed tests and we would be removing the other test.
Feasibility
It would be very easy to get rid of all state testing. This would be simply taking something away as opposed to adding something. However, taking control of the ACTs and SATs would be difficult as they are run by private companies.
Effectiveness
This would be very effective in abolishing statewide testing. It is very effective with getting rid of the government’s control, however, it gives the College Board a lot of power. Thier power over our education is continuing to grow.
Supporters
This solution would have high support from educators and from the College Board. The combination of the two will make this solution worthwhile.
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Disadvantages of Solution
Costs
It would be costly to many students to participate in these standardized tests. Although there are systems set up to support students who can not pay, it will still either be very costly to the College Board to pay for these students, or to these students who are trying the scramble up the money to pay for these tests.
Feasibility
This solution in not very feasible in the sense that it would be difficult to get millions of students across the nation to take a test outside of school. Many will forget or choose not to and because of this, not graduate. Since it is not school run, it will be difficult to assure that every student does this.
Effectiveness
If not all students take the test, it will be completely ineffective. There is no point in setting up a graduation requirement if many people are going to ignore it anyways. There is a chance that this solution could completely fail.
Opposers
This solution would have a low level of support from parents and students. With college and graduation looming over students, parents will not want yet another requirement that their child must partake in outside of school. Also, anyone in favor of Common Core will not support this solution.
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