Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) Transitioning to Computer-Based Testing Amid Debate
The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT), a key determinant for admission to the city’s most prestigious high schools, will remain in place, with a notable shift to a computer-based format starting next fall. This decision comes after the city’s education oversight board, the Panel for Educational Policy, approved a five-year, $17 million contract with exam provider Pearson. The vote, held after hours of testimony from students and educators, ended with 14 in favor, two against, and four abstentions.
Critics of the SHSAT argue that the exam exacerbates racial disparities, as Black and Latino students remain underrepresented in these elite institutions. Last year, only 4.5% of admissions offers went to Black students, while Hispanic students received 7.6%. Stuyvesant High School, one of the most competitive, admitted just 10 Black students in a freshman class of 744. Despite these concerns, proponents, including some panel members, believe the test ensures objectivity in identifying students capable of excelling in the school’s rigorous academic environments. Panel Chair Gregory Faulkner acknowledged the disparity but warned against scrapping the contract, emphasizing that doing so could disrupt the incoming class.
Arguments for and Against the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT)
The SHSAT’s role in shaping the demographic makeup of specialized high schools remains a heated topic. Proponents assert that the exam is a merit-based tool protected by state law, aligning with other standardized testing protocols like the SAT. Education Department spokesperson Chyann Tull highlighted that the transition to computer-based testing reflects modern practices, aiming for efficiency and consistency.
However, critics emphasize the psychological and social effects on minority students admitted to these schools. Panel member Adriana Alicea raised concerns about the isolating experience of being one of the few Black or Latino students in predominantly Asian and White first-year classes. While Asian students accounted for 53% of admissions offers last spring, White students received 26%. Former Mayor Bill de Blasio had previously attempted to eliminate the SHSAT to address these disparities, but his efforts faced significant opposition, particularly from Asian-American parents who felt targeted by such reforms.
Calls for Broader Educational Reform
At the five-hour hearing, voices from various communities weighed in on the issue. Many parents and students, some sporting “Keep SHSAT” t-shirts, passionately defended the test, citing it as a fair measure of academic readiness. City Councilmember Susan Zhuang argued that eliminating the SHSAT would unfairly scapegoat Asian students while failing to address systemic inequalities in public education.
Still, others advocated for exploring alternative admissions processes to promote diversity. The Panel for Educational Policy has previously rejected contracts, such as for the Gifted and Talented test in 2021, leading to significant changes in selection criteria. While the Adams administration has avoided proposing major SHSAT reforms, it has instead focused on improving academic programs across public schools.
As the SHSAT transitions to its digital format, the debate over its fairness and future continues, highlighting deeper issues of equity and access within the city’s education system.
