Dive Brief:
- At the National College Access Network Conference in Orlando Wednesday morning, College Board President and CEO David Coleman announced the launch of the SAT's new Daily Practice app.
- The "Daily Practice for the New SAT" app is available for iOS devices (an Android app is on the way in the next two weeks) and is the latest part of the College Board's efforts to increase access to higher ed for all students.
- Notably, aside from digital practice exams, the app allows students to "Scan & Score" paper copies of SAT or PSAT/NMSQT practice exams for instant feedback and personalized practice suggestions from Khan Academy.
Dive Insight:
Citing Pew Research Center data, the College Board noted in an email release that 64% of Americans have smartphones and that such devices are the sole source of Internet access for a 10% segment of that population that is largely low-income or an underserved minority. Coleman touted the app's "Scan & Score" capabilities during his presentation on changes to the nonprofit's standardized testing approach at the New York Times Schools For Tomorrow conference earlier this month. During his talk, he detailed the disparities in access to test-prep programs between low-income students and their more affluent peers, as well as the need for an end to testing that doesn't provide opportunity.
That the College Board is conscious of some students' inability to afford quality test-prep (as well as college application fees, for which it now provides waivers to some students following the exam) and is taking steps to help alleviate disparities is noteworthy in a time where wealth gaps are increasingly widening. How colleges and universities further accomodate that access once those students enroll, however, should be on the minds of administrators and policymakers.
