Office Hours: Philanthropy, What to Do About Standardized Testing, and the Algebra of Making Predictions

Cultural Biases

Scott Galloway examines the cultural biases inherent in standardized tests like the SAT and ACT. He highlights how these tests have been co-opted by wealthy individuals who can afford extensive test preparation, thus gaining an unfair advantage. This phenomenon is not unique to the U.S.; similar trends are observed globally, such as in China, where only affluent students gain admission to top universities due to their ability to afford test prep 1.

The fear is that these things have cultural biases, which is probably true of almost everything we do in our society.

--- Scott Galloway

Scott argues that while standardized tests were initially designed to level the playing field, they have become another tool for perpetuating inequality 2.

   

Alternative Assessments

Exploring alternatives to standardized testing, Scott Galloway questions whether new assessment methods will be any less biased. He suggests that while tests are stressful and favor the wealthy, eliminating them might not solve the underlying issue of inequality in education. Instead, he proposes reforming these tests to better serve their original purpose of providing equal opportunities 2.

I probably err on the side of saying the tests are difficult, they're stressful, wealthy people are advantaged. But it sucks to be a grownup.

--- Scott Galloway

Scott also discusses the potential for creativity-focused assessments that can't be easily prepared for, as a way to level the playing field 3.