SATs: Shaping Destinies or Straining Families?

Let's unveil the silent impact of this routine test on the delicate fabric of family dynamics in the pursuit of higher education.

As an educator, I found myself mystified about the SATs.  It is one of the biggest stressor points for students and has been the determining factor of acceptance into a higher university or not.  I have spoke to brilliant individuals who have gone on to be very successful in life, but failed the SATs and did not get accepted into their university of choice.  

I did some digging around to better understand the history of this notorious test.  What I found was eye-opening and I wanted to share it with you.  

The Scholastic Assessment Test, or SAT, is a standardized test that has long been a rite of passage for American high school students aspiring to enter college. Developed by a team of educators and psychologists, the SAT has played a pivotal role in college admissions for decades. But how did this iconic test come into existence, who were its creators, and what was its original purpose?

Unraveling the story behind the SATs reveals a journey with more twists and turns than we might have anticipated. Let's take a moment to explore the origins of these standardized tests, the concept of eugenics, and how they intersect with the quest for the "best." 

Carl C. Brigham, a key figure in this narrative, transitioned from military testing during World War I to the realm of education, inadvertently laying the groundwork for the SATs. Yet, as we trace the roots, we encounter a concept that casts a shadow—eugenics. This controversial ideology, advocating selective breeding to enhance genetic quality, influenced Brigham's approach to education, aiming to identify and separate the supposed "best" from the rest.

Drawing parallels with Captain America's iconic role during World War II adds a layer of complexity. Captain America, like the SATs, was born out of a desire to identify and elevate the best candidates for a specific purpose. However, lurking beneath this intent is a flaw—the inherent bias that often accompanies such endeavors.

Similar to Captain America's selection process, the SATs have faced criticism for their biases, favoring specific groups and disadvantaging others. The tests, designed with particular cultural and socioeconomic norms, inadvertently perpetuate inequalities. This bias mirrors the misguided pursuit of "the best" during a time marked by discriminatory practices.

As we reflect on the SATs' history, we must confront the uncomfortable origins woven into their fabric. The question arises: Can we move beyond these roots and forge a fair and equitable system that genuinely measures academic potential?

In a society that values inclusivity, it becomes crucial to scrutinize the foundations of our educational systems. This brief reflection on the SATs encourages us to ponder the role of standardized testing in shaping educational opportunities. The journey toward progress requires acknowledging past missteps and actively working toward a more just future.

The question I like to ask is, "How does this influence my family?"  It amazed me how such a thing like eugenics can infiltrate every college-bound household.  It leaves me to wonder about the building blocks of how did we come to have the school system that is now in place? Why is it that in urban areas you have schools failing a certain socio-economic group and whereas you can go to a rural middle upper class and that "same" public system is thriving.  And how does this effect our families?  

Building an unbreakable family means understanding what can break it.  If undue pressure comes from the parents to the child, this makes me wonder if there's been unnecessary arguments or even fallouts in the family about something that your child was set up to fail? So, what are your thoughts?