News Release - Colorado plans to offer seniors in public schools free SAT tests on a school day next fall

Colorado plans to offer seniors in public schools free SAT tests on a school day next fall 

DENVER – Colorado public school 12th graders would be able to take the SAT test on a school day next fall for no cost under an agreement the Colorado Department of Education is pursuing with the College Board, the organization that administers the test. 

This spring’s administration of the SAT along with the rest of the state’s assessment requirements for the 2019-20 school year were suspended by Gov. Jared Polis’ executive order due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Given the SAT plays an important role in the lives of Colorado’s high school students as a means of demonstrating readiness for graduation and postsecondary experiences, as well as providing scholarship opportunities, a commitment was made to investigate alternative testing options. 

“It's important for many of our students and their families to know the state is still planning to provide them with an opportunity to take the test for free on a school day,” said Katy Anthes, Colorado’s education commissioner. “Preserving continuity in the assessment expectations and experiences is especially important now as Colorado high school students navigate the many changes brought about by the national emergency.” 

CDE expects it would be able to offer vouchers for interested students who are unable to take the SAT on the designated school day to participate in a national administration on a Saturday this fall. Additionally, options for offering the PSAT tests that are normally taken by ninth and 10th graders are being investigated.

The results of the assessments are not intended for school and district accountability, which has been paused for the 2020-2021 school year. 

As with all state programs, a fall administration of the assessment depends on adequate state funds being available.