Case 01 Predicting Performance
Case study # 1
Problem definition:
SAT score as one of student selection criteria and its weight needs to be revised
Problem justification:
Positives about SAT score;
SAT score are valid predictors of how well a person will do in college. “According to people who design the SAT”
SATs tap intelligence and employers want intelligent job applicants
Concerns about SAT score “from Alix point of view”;
The quality of high schools varies greatly, so that the level of student performance that receives an “A” in American history at one school might earn only a “C” at a far more demanding school.
The pressure of the SAT exam is very great, and many students suffer from test anxiety. The results, therefore, may not truly reflect what a student knows.
There is evidence that coaching improves scores by between 40 and 150 points. Test scores, therefore, may adversely affect the chances of acceptance for students who cannot afford the $600 or $700 to take test-coaching courses.
Are SATs valid, or do they discriminate against minorities, the poor, and those who have had limited access to cultural growth experiences?
Alternatives:
1- Keep student selection criteria and its weights as it is for now “including SAT at 40%”
2- Increase SAT weight
3- Decrease SAT weight to 20% and add to the criteria intelligent test with weight of 20%
Alternatives Evaluation:
1. Keep student selection criteria and its weights as it is for now “including SAT at 40%” Positives;
i. It will give Alex more time to do further study and benchmark with similar colleges. ii. Alex will gain more practical experience to be able to judge fairly on SAT score iii. SAT score are valid predictors of how well a person will do in college. “According to people who design the SAT” iv. SATs tap intelligence and employers want intelligent job applicants
Negative;
i. Alex concerns about SAT score will remain
2. Increase SAT weight Positives;
i. SAT score are valid predictors of
Problem definition:
SAT score as one of student selection criteria and its weight needs to be revised
Problem justification:
Positives about SAT score;
SAT score are valid predictors of how well a person will do in college. “According to people who design the SAT”
SATs tap intelligence and employers want intelligent job applicants
Concerns about SAT score “from Alix point of view”;
The quality of high schools varies greatly, so that the level of student performance that receives an “A” in American history at one school might earn only a “C” at a far more demanding school.
The pressure of the SAT exam is very great, and many students suffer from test anxiety. The results, therefore, may not truly reflect what a student knows.
There is evidence that coaching improves scores by between 40 and 150 points. Test scores, therefore, may adversely affect the chances of acceptance for students who cannot afford the $600 or $700 to take test-coaching courses.
Are SATs valid, or do they discriminate against minorities, the poor, and those who have had limited access to cultural growth experiences?
Alternatives:
1- Keep student selection criteria and its weights as it is for now “including SAT at 40%”
2- Increase SAT weight
3- Decrease SAT weight to 20% and add to the criteria intelligent test with weight of 20%
Alternatives Evaluation:
1. Keep student selection criteria and its weights as it is for now “including SAT at 40%” Positives;
i. It will give Alex more time to do further study and benchmark with similar colleges. ii. Alex will gain more practical experience to be able to judge fairly on SAT score iii. SAT score are valid predictors of how well a person will do in college. “According to people who design the SAT” iv. SATs tap intelligence and employers want intelligent job applicants
Negative;
i. Alex concerns about SAT score will remain
2. Increase SAT weight Positives;
i. SAT score are valid predictors of