Indiana Considers Major Shift in College Admissions Testing
Indiana's higher education landscape could undergo a significant transformation if Senate Bill 88 (SB 88) becomes law. The proposed legislation, which recently cleared the Senate Education Committee, would mandate that all public colleges and universities in the state consider scores from the Classic Learning Test (CLT) alongside traditional SAT and ACT results.
The Classic Learning Test: An Alternative Assessment
The CLT represents a distinctive approach to standardized testing, focusing on students' ability to analyze influential texts from Western civilization. The exam draws from classical literature and historical documents, including works by Homer, Shakespeare, Plato, and Cicero. According to reporting by Chalkbeat, this assessment has gained increasing popularity among private school and home-schooled students across Indiana.
Proponents argue that the CLT offers particular advantages for these student populations. Nathaniel Pullmann, headmaster of Fort Wayne's Redeemer Classical School, testified during legislative hearings that the test has proven to be a more accurate predictor of educational success for students following classical curricula. "If this bill is passed, colleges in Indiana will find the same thing that hundreds of other colleges have found: it is a good predictor of educational success," Pullmann told Chalkbeat.
Supporters highlight several practical benefits of the CLT, including its remote testing capability—unlike the SAT and ACT, which typically require on-site administration. Currently, nine private colleges in Indiana already accept CLT scores, and several service academies have adopted similar policies according to Chalkbeat's reporting.
Debates Over Cultural Representation and Policy Origins
The proposed legislation has sparked considerable debate among educators and policymakers. Critics have raised concerns about potential cultural bias in the CLT, noting its primary focus on Western and classical texts. Some opponents question whether this approach adequately represents diverse cultural perspectives in contemporary education.
Additional scrutiny has focused on the bill's origins. Critics point to similarities between SB 88 and model policy language from organizations like the American Legislative Exchange Council. Russ Skiba, professor emeritus at Indiana University, expressed skepticism to Chalkbeat, asking, "Why should Indiana accept a bill that has been cut and pasted from various outside think tanks?"
Beyond Testing: The "Success Sequence" Provision
SB 88 contains additional provisions that extend beyond college admissions testing. The legislation would require public schools to teach the "success sequence"—a three-step framework promoted by supporters as a pathway out of poverty: graduate high school, secure full-time employment, and have children only after marriage.
Republican Senator Spencer Deery emphasized the importance of this instruction during legislative discussions, telling colleagues that "if students live that, the chance of them being poor is almost zero," according to Chalkbeat's reporting.
However, Democratic senators have expressed reservations about this approach. They argue that the policy oversimplifies complex systemic issues and could potentially stigmatize students from single-parent households. Senator Andrea Hunley reflected on her personal experiences, noting how such instruction might make students in similar situations feel marginalized within educational settings.
Broader Implications for Teacher Licensing
The legislation's impact extends beyond undergraduate admissions. SB 88 would allow prospective teachers in alternate licensing programs to submit SAT, ACT, CLT, or GRE scores as alternatives to traditional licensing exams. This provision could create new pathways into the teaching profession for qualified candidates.
Currently, most public colleges in Indiana maintain test-optional admissions policies. This includes all Indiana University campuses, University of Southern Indiana, Indiana State University, and Ball State University. Purdue University requires SAT or ACT scores for its West Lafayette campus but maintains test-optional policies for its Fort Wayne and Northwestern campuses, according to Chalkbeat's reporting.
Legislative Process and Future Considerations
SB 88 has undergone modifications during its legislative journey. Earlier versions contained provisions mandating instruction on the Ten Commandments and restricting national identity education, but these elements have been removed from the current bill. The legislation now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
Separately, lawmakers in the Indiana House are discussing measures that would require public schools to display the Ten Commandments, creating parallel conversations about the role of traditional values in public education.
If enacted, SB 88 could fundamentally reshape testing practices and civics education throughout Indiana. The legislation presents new opportunities for students while simultaneously raising important questions about cultural inclusivity, educational equity, and the origins of policy initiatives in public education.
