The 9th International Conference on English Language Teaching (ELT) In China (ELT2020)

646 / 2020-10-13 10:09:52

University policy’s impact on test stakeholders

SAT; Washback; Societal Impact; Policy; Investment; Imagined Community

Assessment and Testing > Assessment and Testing

Abstract: The SAT test result is one of the application requirements of many universities in America. In June 2018, University of Chicago stated that, starting from 2018, applicants did not need to submit SAT test result, and nearly 200 universities were expected to make the same decision. This policy reform has caused discussion in China. One possible reason is that Chinese students are said to have good SAT scores, and this policy may have an impact on Chinese students. Based on the theory of washback effect and societal impact, this paper explores the relationship between the policy and the test, with a particular focus on the students' perception and point of view regarding University of Chicago’s policy. The study found that policy reform does not have significant impact on students’ choice to prepare for SAT. Also, students believe test score reflects their personal ability and value, and view the test result as the representation of their "investment" which can enable them to join the imagined community. Moreover, test impact on institutions and teachers will indirectly affect students, which may have a more significant impact on students. Finally, this study provides suggestions for institutions and test preparation course teachers.