“There are no preconceived notions about what it should look like,” says Mary Crovo, assistant director for test development at NAGB. “Some of the things it might focus on, for example, are what should 12th-graders know or be able to write to prepare them for college.”
The review will also extend beyond content. Research will consider whether tests should remain hand-written or done on computer; if essays should be timed; or if part of the test should include multiple-choice questions to measure grammar and other skills, Crovo says.
“We also need to look at expectations of what other English-speaking countries demand from students in writing,” she adds. “We want to cast a very broad net because we want as many perspectives as possible represented in the assessment.”
As part of its research, ACT will hold a series of forums to collect ideas from writing experts, teachers, academic researchers and parents. ACT is expected to submit its recommendations to the board in 2007.
— Associated Press
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