By Ben Pounds (Oakridger).
Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner Candice McQueen stated in a memorandum that the ACT and SAT college tests both “fulfill the requirements of state law and state accountability.”
As stated in the memorandum, state law requires students to participate in a “postsecondary readiness” assessment. School districts may administer either the ACT or SAT tests to fulfill this requirement.
Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, made an emailed statement following the release of McQueen’s memo on Wednesday, Jan. 31.
“I would like to thank Commissioner McQueen for releasing this memo,” McNally stated. “It is important for parents, students and educators to recognize there is more than one option in college admissions testing. It is critical for everyone to be fully informed about the assessments available to them. The SAT is aligned to state academic standards, measures what students are already learning in class, and is accepted at all state universities. The SAT is a viable option for Tennessee students and, in many circumstances, it is the preferable option. I am glad Commissioner McQueen is promoting this fact. I encourage all districts to take a hard look at each test and determine which testing company would be the best partner for the benefit of Tennessee students.”
Last year, McNally weighed in on the ACT, as well. Due to ACT sending Bearden High School students the wrong test, the students reportedly did not get scores. Go to the article
