The SBAC testing season is upon your children. Those who are getting paid to promote this agenda tout the benefits of Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT). We are told that the test adjusts to each child. The test will adjust the next question depending on how the child answers the first question. When “selling” this concept, we are told that means that a child will be given more than one opportunity to show they know the answer. But as with everything in life, there is more than one side to this story.

South Dakota has chosen American Institutes of Research (AIR) to deliver the assessments. From AIR’s website: “AIR’s mission is to conduct and apply the best behavioral and social science research and evaluation towards improving peoples’ lives, with a special emphasis on the disadvantaged.” (Link) Their mission statement indicates that they are testing for behavior, attitudes and disposition.

Did you know that if your child does not answer a question on the SBAC, the test does not allow them to advance to the next question? They must answer each and every question from the options given. This test is adaptive. We know, by the state’s own words, that the next question will not be decided until the child answers the first question. 

Peg Luksik explains why CAT is so dangerous. “Common Core Testing: Behavior Change Without Protest’