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© 2024 SAT/Sphere. All rights reserved.
© 2024 SAT/Sphere. All rights reserved.
FAQs for educators about the new Digital SAT.
SAT Help for Educators
The transition to the digital SAT introduces several changes affecting test format, administration, and preparation. Below are answers to the most common questions educators have regarding these updates.
Duration:
The digital SAT is shorter, lasting approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes compared to the 3-hour paper version.
Structure:
It consists of two sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. Each section is divided into two modules.
Adaptive Format:
The test is adaptive; the difficulty of the second module in each section is determined by a student’s performance in the first module.
Calculator Use:
Calculators are permitted throughout the entire Math section.
Score Reporting:
Scores are available more quickly than for the traditional paper test.
Two-Stage Design:
Each section of the digital SAT is divided into two modules. The first module sets the baseline for the difficulty level, and the second module adjusts accordingly based on the student's performance.
Precise Assessment:
This adaptive approach provides a more accurate measure of a student's academic skills by tailoring the difficulty level to the individual’s performance.
Approved Devices:
Students may use personal or school-issued laptops or tablets that meet the College Board’s technical requirements.
Bluebook™ Application:
The Bluebook™ testing application must be installed on these devices before test day.
Device Loans:
Students who do not have access to a compliant device can request one from the College Board in advance.
Secure Platform:
Bluebook™ is the College Board’s official digital testing platform for the SAT.
Built-in Tools:
The app includes a calculator, timer, and annotation features to support test-taking.
Security Features:
It locks down the device during the exam to prevent access to other applications or online content.
Practice Materials:
Educators can utilize full-length practice tests available through the Bluebook™ app.
Digital Familiarization:
It is important to familiarize students with the digital format and the tools integrated within Bluebook™.
Official Resources:
Additional practice and preparation materials are available via the free Official Digital SAT Prep on Khan Academy.
Testing Accommodations:
Yes, students with documented disabilities can request accommodations such as extended time, additional breaks, or assistive technology.
Approval Process:
These accommodations must be approved by the College Board prior to the test date.
Scoring Scale:
Scores are reported on the same 1600-point scale as the paper SAT.
Timely Reporting:
Students typically receive their scores within days of testing.
Detailed Feedback:
Score reports include insights into student strengths and areas for improvement.
Enhanced Security:
The digital SAT features enhanced security measures such as unique test forms for each student.
Bluebook™ Security:
The secure testing environment provided by the Bluebook™ app helps prevent unauthorized access and cheating.
Proctored Environment:
The digital SAT must be taken in a proctored setting, such as a school or an approved test center.
Security and Standardization:
At-home testing is not permitted to ensure test security and standardized administration.
Training Materials:
The College Board provides a variety of training resources on their official website.
Topics Covered:
Resources include guides on test administration, proctoring procedures, and usage of the Test Day Toolkit.
Ongoing Support:
These materials are regularly updated to help educators stay informed about changes and best practices.
Online Platform:
The Test Day Toolkit is designed for test coordinators and proctors to manage and monitor test sessions in real-time.
Features:
It includes functionalities for student check-in, live monitoring, and incident reporting during the test day.
Bluebook™ Practice Tests:
Students have access to full-length practice tests through the Bluebook™ app.
Additional Resources:
Further practice materials and preparation resources are available on Khan Academy to help students become comfortable with the digital format.
Internet Requirements:
The Bluebook™ app requires an internet connection at the beginning and end of the test for check-in and answer submission.
Offline Testing:
The exam is administered offline; however, students with limited internet access should coordinate with their schools to ensure reliable connectivity during these crucial periods.
Proctor Intervention:
If a device fails, the proctor will pause the test session.
Resuming Testing:
This pause allows time to resolve the issue or to switch to a backup device. The student's progress is saved, so they can resume the test once the problem is addressed.
Global Implementation:
Yes, the digital SAT is available internationally.
Standard Procedures:
International students follow the same procedures and use the Bluebook™ app for testing as their domestic counterparts.
For additional information and resources, educators can visit the Digital SAT Help CenterDigital SAT Help Center.
This FAQ is designed to provide educators with an overview of the significant changes introduced with the digital SAT. Staying informed about these updates is essential for effectively preparing students and ensuring a smooth testing process.
Practice with Official SAT Tests
Download Bluebook, the official College Board app, to take official full-length digital SAT practice tests.
Turn what you’ve learned into action. SAT Sphere helps you build confidence with targeted practice, smart feedback, and everything you need to prep for the digital SAT—all in one place. From pinpointing your strengths to reinforcing your weak spots, it’s designed to guide you every step of the way.
