Standardized Testing during the Coronavirus Pandemic

By: Victoria Kourkoutis, Community Reporter

As the time for testing season approaches there is still much uncertainty of what will actually take place.  As of now the DOE will be administering the SATs, free of charge to all juniors.  AP exams are set to take place in early June, though there is still no definite answer on state exams and regents.  

The coronavirus pandemic is still ongoing, with new variants and strains that have unknown effects.  So how will schools and students prepare for testing?  

Mr. Bergstein, Forest Hills High School teacher and UFT Chapter Chair, stated “Teachers are trying to pace themselves and not overwhelm the students.  The state, along with the federal government, is not making this any easier on individual school districts to provide the necessary support that students require. If anything, students and teachers have once again become pawns in the political game.”  

The uncertainty of standardized testing is causing a lot of pressure on teachers and students.

In addition to Covid protocols, what about the academic aspect?  According to Mr. Petrotta, WJPS Assistant Principal “for the SAT, students can use Khan Academy and College Board accounts to complete a Timed Mini Section or Diagnostic Quiz to help prepare them for the SAT.  This is still a changing situation. We hear new guidance almost every day.”

As of now, the AP exams are set to be taken remotely while the SAT will be in person.  For students taking tests in person, they will be required to wear masks and maintain six feet distance.  

“Standardized Test Close-Up” by biologycorner is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0