Tennessee lawmaker William Slater introduced a bill for public universities to accept the Classic Learning Test (CLT) as an admissions exam, competing with SAT.
The College Board opposes this movement, attempting to maintain its dominance with the SAT.
Background on CLT
Founded by Jeremy Tate, the CLT is part of a classical education revival focusing on virtue and classical works.
The CLT offers a two-hour exam on verbal, grammar, and quantitative skills, aligned with classical education principles.
College Board's Opposition
The College Board, a nonprofit with significant revenue, views the CLT as a competitive threat.
It's lobbying against CLT inclusion in state education, arguing the test isn't predictive of college success.
CLT leaders reject these claims, emphasizing the need for educational diversity.
Expansion of CLT
Initially adopted by small religious schools, the CLT gained traction in Florida, now spreading to public schools.
States like Arkansas, Iowa, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas are considering legislation for CLT acceptance.
Classical Education's Appeal
The CLT emphasizes deeper thinking with passages from classic literature and philosophy, engaging students more than traditional tests.
Market Share Battle
Despite the rise of test-optional policies, the SAT remains dominant with a digital format aimed at reducing student stress.
The CLT's success in Florida showcases its potential to challenge SAT and ACT dominance.
Obstacles and Controversies
The College Board's influence has slowed the CLT's acceptance in states like Iowa, citing concerns over concordance studies.
Collaboration attempts with College Board ended, highlighting competitive tensions.
Future Prospects
The CLT aims for significant growth, targeting 500,000 test-takers annually.
Legislative support in education-choice states is critical for this expansion.
Conclusion
The CLT represents a shift toward more diverse educational testing, challenging the College Board's longstanding dominance.
Its success will depend on overcoming political and market hurdles while maintaining educational integrity and appeal.