Should the Regents change how UC uses the SAT in admissions?

@mkurlaender, @rothstein_jesse, and I argue that the UC Faculty Task Force Report gets many things wrong. 1/6

Our comments for the Regents: https://edpolicyinca.org/newsroom/uc-regents-should-consider-all-evidence-and-options-decision-admissions-policy

Admissions policies that put substantial weight on SAT scores create barriers for students from underrepresented groups & lead to less diversity.

A fairer admissions system would put less emphasis on SAT scores, which are proxies for opportunity, than UC does now. 2/6

Changing the Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC) cutoff will do little to change admissions outcomes or increase diversity because the "guarantee" only applies to UC Merced.

A more effective ELC would have all UC campuses guarantee admission to top students from all HSs 3/6

Too quick dismissal of Smarter Balanced (SBAC) assessments in UC admissions ignores their potential.

Using the SBAC for admissions would send an important signal: The best way to prepare for college is to master what is taught in the state’s K–12 schools. 4/6

The suggestion that UC spend close to a decade developing a new test is wasteful and misguided.

UC has the chance now to form a partnership with K–12 that would strengthen both systems and provide a service to students who aspire to attend the state’s 4-year colleges. 5/6

Our goal in putting forward these analyses is to support an evidence-based and responsible decision.

As the Regents weigh the options before them, we strongly encourage them to consider perspectives beyond the task force report, including those we provide here. 6/6