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t the American Council on Education Conference (Feb. 18), President Richard C. Atkinson delivered a major policy address on reducing the role of standardized tests in admissions decisions. In his keynote, Atkinson called for the elimination of the SAT I as a requirement for students applying to the University of California. He also recommended that UC require only standardized tests that assess mastery of specific subject areas rather than undefined notions of "aptitude" or "intelligence."

If adopted, these changes will help strengthen high school curricula and teaching, create a stronger connection between what students accomplish in high school and their likelihood of being admitted to UC, and focus student attention on mastery of subject matter rather than test preparation. These changes will help all students — especially low-income and minority students — determine their own educational destinies. They, also, will lead to greater public confidence in the fairness of UC's admissions process.

The University of California generates more demand for standardized tests than any other institution in the country.

 
 
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