Podcast Summary
Colleges Dropping Standardized Testing Requirements Amidst Pandemic and Racial Disparities, But Some Reverse Decision Based on Predictive Value: Amidst the pandemic and racial disparities, most colleges dropped standardized testing requirements, but some reversed the decision based on the predictive value of these tests in student success.
The pandemic and allegations of racism have led to significant shifts in college admissions, with many institutions dropping the use of standardized test scores. However, some universities have reversed this trend based on new data showing the predictive value of these tests in student success. For over a decade, there have been growing calls to eliminate standardized testing requirements for higher education, particularly from the political left. While some universities adjusted their admissions processes, most still required SAT or ACT scores. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns made it difficult to take these tests, and the vast majority of colleges dropped their testing requirements. Despite the end of the pandemic, these policies have remained in place, with 80% of American colleges and universities no longer requiring SAT or ACT scores. The primary argument against standardized testing is the existence of racial disparities in scores. For instance, the average Asian student scored a 1219 on their SAT last year, while the average Black student scored 935. However, some studies suggest that these tests are still useful in predicting student success, leading some universities to reintroduce them.
Standardized testing in college admissions: A contentious issue: Despite disparities in test scores, some argue standardized tests are necessary for fair comparisons in college admissions, while others believe they're biased and disadvantage certain groups. High school GPAs, once a reliable metric, have become less so due to inflation, making tests even more important.
The debate over standardized testing in college admissions continues to be contentious, with some arguing that it's a biased system that disadvantages black and Hispanic students, while others believe it's a necessary tool for comparing students from diverse backgrounds. According to data, black, Hispanic, and white students have significant disparities in standardized test scores. Critics argue that these disparities are evidence of a racist education system and call for the removal of testing requirements. However, opponents argue that this would disadvantage students who perform well on tests and prevent top universities from identifying talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds. High school GPAs, another commonly used metric, have become less reliable due to grade inflation, making standardized tests an even more important tool for comparing students. Ultimately, the debate highlights the complexities of creating a fair and equitable college admissions process, with no easy solutions in sight.
Challenging the importance of high test scores and GPAs in college admissions: Studios are rethinking their strategies after a series of box office failures, with Disney looking to Pixar's Inside Out sequel for a potential turnaround and a renewed focus on audience connection.
The significance of a 4.0 GPA or high SAT/ACT scores for college applications has been challenged in recent years due to declining scores and new studies highlighting the predictive power of standardized tests. The trend towards test-optional policies may be reversing, indicating a potential return to a more merit-based system for college admissions. In the entertainment industry, after a string of box office flops in 2023, studios are looking for a reset with fewer high-profile releases and a focus on audience connection. Disney, in particular, is experiencing a rough patch and is looking to Pixar's upcoming Inside Out sequel as a potential turnaround point. The writers' strike and CEO Bob Iger's statements suggest that Disney is acknowledging the disconnect between its films and audiences and is seeking a fresh approach.
The decline of superhero films and the rise of epic sci-fi: Disney's Marvel and Warner's DC face changes as superhero films wane, audiences prefer epic sci-fi with larger scope and somber tone, 'Dune Part 2' and 'Mad Max: Fury Road' continue this trend
The superhero genre, which has dominated the film industry for years, is facing a potential decline. Disney's Marvel Studios and Warner Brothers DC are both undergoing changes, with Disney looking for a reset and Warner Brothers bringing in James Gunn as CEO. The success of superhero films has been waning, with only two hitting the top 10 in the box office last year. Instead, audiences seem to be gravitating towards more serious and epic sci-fi films, with Denis Villeneuve's "Dune" franchise being a notable example. The upcoming release of "Dune Part 2" and "Mad Max: Fury Road" are expected to continue this trend. The tone of these films is more somber, and the scope is larger, providing audiences with a new kind of cinematic experience. The decline of superhero films and the rise of sci-fi is a significant shift in the entertainment industry, and it will be interesting to see how it unfolds.
A Year of Contrasts: Dark and Light Films in 2023: 2023 film releases offer a mix of gritty and lighthearted genres, from 'Alien: Covenant' and 'Romulus' to 'Barbie', 'Mean Girls the musical', and 'Fall Guy'.
2023 is shaping up to be an intriguing year for filmgoers, with both dark and lighthearted genres making a strong presence. While the late spring and summer months will see the release of grittier films like "Alien: Covenant" and "Romulus," the earlier part of the year brought success to lighter fare, such as "Barbie." Upcoming releases like "Mean Girls the musical" and "Fall Guy" are expected to draw audiences seeking a similar vibe. Meanwhile, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a crackdown on retail theft, proposing new measures to target organized theft rings, strengthen penalties, and increase cooperation between law enforcement agencies.
New York Governor Announces Measures to Combat Retail Theft: Governor Hochul introduces tax credits, expands crime analysis centers, and provides special funding for district attorneys to tackle retail theft, aiming to reduce rising incidents in New York and support affected businesses
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a series of measures to address the rising issue of retail theft in the state. These measures include establishing a tax credit for businesses to offset costs of security measures, expanding crime analysis centers, and providing special funding for district attorneys to prosecute property crimes. Retail theft has been on the rise in New York and across the country, with significant increases in larceny, robbery, assaults, and car thefts. The problem is not unique to New York, as other cities and states, particularly California, have also seen organized groups of retail thieves causing significant damage and driving some businesses out of operation. The situation has led to fear among customers and workers, and owners are left dealing with the costs of replacing stolen goods and damaged property. It remains to be seen if Hochul's new crackdown will be effective in improving the situation in New York.
