Changes for Spring 2025 SAT Weekend Testing
Based on feedback from educators and students during the fall 2024 testing window, we’re making some adjustments for spring. Here’s what’s changing:
Changes to the Bluebook™ Experience
Keyboards Required for Windows Tablets
To ensure students can complete the digital readiness check before testing and use the Highlights & Notes tool during testing, all students using a Windows tablet as their testing device must have an external keyboard in order to test.
Changes to Extended Time
Students approved to test with extended time now have the option to waive some or all of their allowed extra time after standard time has elapsed. They'll be able to move on to the next section or end the test.
Embedded Text-to-Speech Features
Students approved to use a text-to-speech accommodation in Bluebook will now be able to do so directly in the testing app.
Information All in One Place
Instead of using separate guides for planning, registration, and accommodations, you'll now find all the information you need compiled into one helpful resource—the Test Coordinator Manual.
New Features in Test Day Toolkit
If you're a test coordinator, you'll be able to add your staff in bulk using a .csv file. We're also making it easier to set up a test administration by giving you the ability to copy rooms from your active administrations into a new one and allowing you to see student grade levels on the All Students page to help with room assignments.
Modifications to Staff Training Experience
Our training modules now have more options to customize your training by role, including allowing users to select multiple roles if necessary. Test coordinators will also be able to see which of their staff members have completed training and note whether any staff members have been trained on site.
Changes to Seating Arrangements
Elevated theater/auditorium style seating is now permitted for testing, though not recommended. If you need to use this type of room to test your students, keep in mind that 3-ft. distancing and desk space rules apply. Every other row must be empty and students cannot have a clear line of sight to each other's screens.
Keep Seating Charts Longer
Test coordinators are now required to keep seating charts for 60 days (up from 30) for test security purposes.
New Policies for Accommodations
Many policies regarding accommodated testing have been updated. Please see the SSD website and the SAT Suite Accommodations Guide for Coordinators for more details.
Proctor Approval for Student Reentry
Students need proctor approval to continue testing after they quit or exit Bluebook or their device crashes or loses power. When students sign in to Bluebook again, they’re told to raise their hand and ask you for help. Any time you leave your desk, bring your device with Test Day Toolkit (tablet, laptop, or phone) with you so you can resolve these issues efficiently.
To allow students to continue:
- Click the student's name on the Test Day Toolkit monitoring dashboard to open their profile page.
- Click the Let Student Continue Testing button.