Hi everyone, and welcome to this week’s Facebook broadcast of the most recent information and resources regarding college and career planning in the time of COVID-19. Today we're talking specifically about college prep during COVID-19.
Hot off the presses today, TEA released a new document on college preparation assessments. It covers college prep programs and testing as well as reimbursements for assessments and industry-based certifications. I’ll point out some highlights.
First, if you haven’t checked out the Texas College Bridge program, we encourage you to do so. Through this program, you can access free, online college prep courses for your seniors who haven’t yet demonstrated college readiness. Later this month, we’ll be releasing advising materials to support the Texas College Bridge program – stay tuned.
Next, admissions and college placement. As you no doubt know, colleges and universities have relaxed exam requirements for the 2020–21 school year. Schools are using multiple measures for college placement and admissions. These measures may include, but are not limited to, high school GPA, high school course-taking, and noncognitive factors. Measures will vary by college or university, and we encourage you to check with schools directly for specific information.
Now, let’s talk about the SAT and ACT. Both the SAT and ACT have added new test dates throughout the fall – be sure to bookmark our calendar page where we’re tracking all new test and registration dates.
The College Board is offering flexible testing for SAT school day and the PSAT. Schools are now able to split students across the September and October test dates for the SAT school day and across both October dates for the PSAT.
The ACT is launching online testing in the fall. The College Board has not announced plans to offer remote testing for the SAT or PSAT. They are looking for additional testing capacity, though, and they are asking member schools, districts, and local communities to open their doors.
Next, the TSIA. TSIA testing is available remotely through Examity. Be aware that online TSIA testing may have an associated proctor fee. Additionally, test centers are approved to use video chat services for TSIA test administration for ISDs. Be sure to check the TEA doc for compliance information. Also, the TSIA2 release date is postponed.
And finally, AP and IB exams. Registration information for ordering 2021 exams is available on the College Board AP Central and IBO websites. The College Board will not apply unused or canceled exam fees this year. Students who order AP exams before November 17 will have until exam day to make the decision to test with no penalties. The AP Central website has more about AP exam costs, fees, and subsidies.
P.S. don't forget to have a look at our definitive guide to keeping your students on the path to postsecondary success during COVID-19.
NOTE: This is a transcript of a Facebook Live video that aired on 8/13/20. Watch it here.
