Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, September 27, 1994 TAG: 9409270119
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
It's a board game.
It's kind of like Monoply.
It's a bit like Trivial Pursuit.
It's suppose to be challenging and entertaining.
It's called Test Taking Advantage, a board game that was developed by a pair of university professors in California to help students prepare for the SAT.
More than 5,000 copies have been sold since it was put on the market two years ago, even though it is not available in bookstores or games shops.
A revised version will soon be available to reflect recent changes in the SAT.
"This game is one more way students can use to prepare for the SAT, which may be the most important test some youngsters take in their lives," said Thomas Koerner, deputy executive director of the National Association of Secondary School Principals, distributor of the game.
"Principals and teachers are telling us this is a very creative way to prepare for the exam, and that's crucial in appealing to today's teens," Koerner said. "Students are using this game because it's challenging and entertaining."
The game allows players to move the playing board by answering questions similar to those they will find on the SAT. It comes with a strategy manual, dice and playing cards in 10 categories: algebra, geometry, arithmetic, sentence correction, usage, advice on taking the test, antonyms, analogy, reading comprehension and sentence completion.
The cards each contain one question with the answer and strategy suggestions on the back, so that students receive instant feedback.
The game is recommended by NASSP, which has developed both print and computer preparation programs for the SAT.
Despite the early success of the game, many schools and students are apparently unaware that it is distributed only by NASSP Publication Sales.
Lew Armistead, director of publications for NASSP, said the organization has always distributed its own publications and products. "It could be a lot of hassle if we sold them in stores," he said.
Test Taking Advantage can be purchased for $39.95, plus $5 handling. Orders can be placed through the toll-free number, (800)253-7746, and callers should use the ordering number, 6219000.
Carol Tear, a Roanoke teacher who helps teach a prep course for the SAT, said she had not heard of the game. Some guidance counselors said they were not familiar with it.
Teachers used the first version of the game in various ways: Some employed the strategy manual as a study course; others used the playing cards as flash cards; while others scheduled tournaments, Armistead said.
"While crash courses do not necessarily improve scores on admissions tests, long-term preparation programs can provide students with the skills they need to achieve success on college admission tests," Koerner said. "Such materials, including this game, should be available to all students at their schools, not just those who can afford private tutoring."
by CNB