I got this from a group member. Group responses are welcome:
I have a question about SAT test in languages. Our school does not have AP classes, so the only kind of standardized tests kids take in languages are the SAT Spanish or French. Since I have no interest in tests I really have no idea what these are like, or how important they are. I assume that they are a bogus multiple choice test that tests your ability to take multiple choice tests. I could be totally off base.
Does anyone in the group have experience with these tests? I am asking because in our department the highest level class (level 5) focuses on SAT prep for the first semester. I don’t teach this class, thank goodness. I have no say on this, I am not a department head. But to me it seems like a huge waste of time.
Can someone enlighten me as to their value from a CI standpoint, or from a college admission standpoint or whatever? Like, why would someone be dying to take this test? I have a student whose goal is to be able to “get into the SAT Spanish class” by taking 2 Spanish classes next year to “advance” to the level to be in the SAT class.
She is currently in my level 2 class. Super cool tab she is all gung ho, but there is this odd sense I have about her goals. Could be me. I would like to be able to speak intelligently about this and not just rant or spew my clueless opinion.