New York City made a significant change to the entrance process for its eight prestigious specialised high schools. The city’s Panel for Educational Policy approved a five-year, $17 million contract with Pearson, the education publishing giant, to digitalise the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT). For decades, the SHSAT has served as the sole criterion for admission to highly competitive schools like Stuyvesant High School, Bronx High School of Science, and Brooklyn Technical High School. This move to a computerised version of the exam has been met with a mix of excitement and concern, as the city attempts to modernise the process amidst heated debates over its fairness and accessibility.
The SHSAT has long been the subject of controversy, particularly in light of the persistent racial and ethnic disparities in the demographics of the schools. While the specialised high schools represent the pinnacle of academic excellence in New York, critics argue that the admissions system perpetuates inequality, favouring certain groups over others. The decision to approve the contract, however, marks the continuation of the test as a key determinant of who gains entry to these coveted institutions, leaving many to question whether this is a step forward or a missed opportunity for reform.
The Computerisation of the SHSAT
The SHSAT has traditionally been a paper-based exam, taken by approximately 30,000 eighth graders and 5,000 ninth graders each year. Under the new agreement, the test will be administered digitally for the first time, starting with students applying to the Class of 2026. While this shift may seem like a natural progression in an increasingly digital world, it is far from a simple change in format. The digital test will also be computer-adaptive, meaning that the questions will adjust based on the student’s responses, a method similar to that used in other high-stakes exams like the SAT.
Supporters of the move argue that this digitalisation is necessary for modernising the exam and ensuring it remains in line with current educational standards. In today’s digital age, most standardised tests are delivered electronically, making the transition to a computerised format a logical step. Additionally, a computerised test allows for quicker scoring and easier logistics, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Controversy Surrounding the SHSAT
However, the SHSAT continues to attract considerable criticism, especially regarding the question of fairness. The exam has long been seen as a barrier that disproportionately disadvantages Black and Latino students, who have historically been underrepresented in specialised schools. In the 2023 admissions cycle, just 4.5% of offers went to Black students, while 7.6% were offered to Latino students, highlighting the stark racial disparities in the system.
Advocates for reform argue that the SHSAT’s single-test model fails to account for the complexities of student potential, leaving many qualified students without opportunities based solely on their performance on one exam. They also argue that the test is not an accurate reflection of a student’s overall academic abilities or potential for success in these elite institutions.
In contrast, proponents of the test, particularly those from Asian-American communities, assert that it provides an objective and merit-based approach to admissions. Many students from immigrant backgrounds, particularly those from low-income families, argue that the SHSAT offers a fair chance to gain access to some of the city’s best public schools, bypassing the need for expensive private tutors or prep courses. The debate continues to centre around whether the SHSAT is an equitable measure of academic potential, or whether it perpetuates systemic inequalities.
The Pearson Contract and Its Implications
Pearson, the company awarded the contract, has faced its own controversies in the past, raising concerns about its ability to effectively manage such a critical exam. The publishing giant has been involved in multiple legal and technical issues, some of which have caused significant disruptions. For instance, in 2018, Pearson was responsible for one of the largest student data breaches in history, affecting millions of students, including many in New York. Despite the breach, Pearson failed to notify schools or students until months later, a delay that resulted in a $1 million fine by the SEC for misleading investors about the incident.
Additionally, Pearson’s handling of state exams has raised alarms. In 2012, their New York State exam featured more than 30 errors, including faulty questions and translation issues, which caused significant confusion and concern among educators and students. In 2013, the company came under fire for including commercial product placements and using reading passages from Pearson’s own textbooks in state exams, leading to accusations of unethical practices and conflicts of interest.
Such incidents have led many critics to question whether Pearson is equipped to manage the high-stakes SHSAT. These concerns are compounded by the company’s history of workplace discrimination lawsuits, which include allegations of bias based on race, gender, and disability. With this track record, opponents of the contract argue that Pearson’s history of errors and mismanagement casts doubt on their ability to deliver a reliable and fair testing system for New York City’s specialized schools.
Despite these issues, the Department of Education (DOE) maintains that Pearson’s previous failures should not overshadow the potential benefits of transitioning the SHSAT to a digital format. The city asserts that Pearson’s extensive experience in administering standardised tests globally will result in a smoother and more efficient process, although critics remain cautious.
The Future of the SHSAT: A Step Towards Reform or Reinforcement of Inequality?
As New York City moves forward with the computerisation of the SHSAT, the debate over the test’s fairness, relevance, and impact on school segregation will undoubtedly continue. The shift to a digital format may bring some benefits, such as faster results and a more modern testing experience. However, the underlying issues surrounding the test—namely its ability to offer equal opportunities to all students—remain unresolved.
For now, the SHSAT will continue to serve as the key to entry for New York’s most prestigious public schools. Whether this move marks a genuine step towards improving the admissions process or simply reinforces the status quo remains to be seen. As the city’s education system grapples with the complexities of access and fairness, it is clear that the conversation around the SHSAT is far from over.
