Irvington Sees New Changes to College Board Testing Policies

Irvington High School has recently implemented significant changes to its College Board testing policies, reflecting broader shifts occurring nationwide. These updates impact how students engage with both the PSAT and AP programs, with a focus on enhancing testing integrity and accessibility.

Changes to PSAT Administration

Historically, the PSAT, a practice version of the SAT, was offered annually to both 10th and 11th graders in October. However, this year, the test was only available to 11th graders on October 2nd and 3rd. Mrs. Howell, responsible for testing administration at Irvington, noted, “It’s all a district decision,” indicating that similar changes are being adopted across the district.

Nationwide Testing Adjustments

In addition to local policy changes, College Board has revamped its testing protocols on a national scale. Notably, the SAT will now be administered digitally, starting in March 2024, with a permanent shift to electronic testing. Furthermore, starting in 2025, AP exams will transition to digital formats. These changes aim to reduce cheating and enhance fairness in exam administration.

Implementation of Digital Testing

Mr. Aucoin, Irvington’s AP coordinator, is in the process of preparing for these transitions. “We’re just registering now for the exams. Preliminary discussions with our IT team are underway to ensure our internet service can support the new digital format,” he explained.

Under the new system, 9th and 10th graders will be limited to registering for only two self-study AP tests: AP Macroeconomics and AP Microeconomics. In contrast, 11th and 12th graders will retain priority for self-study AP registrations.

Underclassmen AP Restrictions

Mr. Aucoin expressed concerns regarding the potential burden placed on upperclassmen due to restrictions on underclassmen AP testing. “Sometimes students feel pressured to take more AP exams than their universities require. Spreading them out over four years might alleviate some stress,” he noted.

District-Wide Consistency

Fremont Unified School District has emphasized the importance of maintaining consistent testing policies across all high schools. Mr. Aucoin stated, “If you check the AP testing policies at Mission, Washington, or American, you’ll find they mirror ours.” This consistency aims to streamline the testing process and ensure equitable access for all students.

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Conclusion

The recent changes to College Board testing policies at Irvington High School reflect a broader commitment to enhancing the testing experience for students. By transitioning to digital formats and ensuring consistent policies across the district, educators hope to provide a more equitable and streamlined testing environment. As these adjustments take effect, students can expect a smoother registration process and clearer guidelines moving forward.