The Classic Learning Test Is Good for North Carolina

James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal ^ | October 21, 2024 | Jeremy Tate

[karpov]

During the Covid pandemic, the University of North Carolina (like many institutions of higher learning) went test-optional. However, the Board of Governors rightly reversed that policy this year, re-establishing a requirement that some students applying to UNC submit a score from a standardized college-entry exam and recognizing the SAT and ACT for that purpose.

So far, so good (though UNC should really re-expand its testing requirement to all students). The experiment of going testing-optional has proven to many universities the benefits of using admissions exams as part of a holistic admissions process. But the SAT and ACT are no longer the only players in the market, and compelling students to use only those exams whose content is determined by the Common Core standard, which does not reflect the curricula of all North Carolina students equally, is neither necessary nor equitable.

The Classic Learning Test (CLT)—which has exploded in usage in recent years thanks to its innovative test interface, commitment to serving students in adverse circumstances, and statewide implementation in Florida—merits recognition from the UNC Board of Governors as a third option. Its design and content are particularly well-suited to the needs of hundreds and thousands of North Carolina students being educated privately, at home, and in charter and parochial schools. These students, and all students who want to take the CLT (and its preparatory exam, the CLT10), deserve the support of the state legislature in doing so, via formal inclusion of the CLT in North Carolina’s state testing requirements.

I launched CLT in 2015 after previously working as both a public-school teacher and the head of an SAT test-prep company.

[Bon of Babble]

Sounds good - but I wish the article had included example questions from the CLT.

I’m sure those universities and colleges that went ACT and SAT free for admission are regretting that decision, admitting those who reading, writing and computing skills are sub-par for college level work.

There is a reason - a damned good reason - for the ACT and SAT - they determine whether or not a student is capable and ready for college level academics.

I gave the SAT for over 30 years and am well aware of what is on it.

[Jumper]

Home schooling implies someone cares about the education of their children.... To that end privately educated children perform much better than those who go to corporate/Political intonation by teachers. The difference is that one system exists to serve it’s political masters, the other to educate the children.