New Hampshire education officials have received permission to replace the 11th grade statewide assessment test with the College Board's SAT exam next spring.
The Executive Council on Wednesday approved the Department of Education's request to offer the SAT at no cost for all 11th-graders. The SAT, widely used by colleges in evaluating applicants, typically costs more than $50.
Education Commissioner Virginia Barry says the change means students will spend less time on statewide standardized testing. In addition to reducing duplicative testing for many students, the change will ensure that all students, regardless of economic circumstances, can use the SAT to consider higher education opportunities.