NYC Approves $17M Contract for Computerized Specialized High School Exam

The decision comes after months of debate over equity and the future of admissions to elite public high schools.

The Panel for Educational Policy voted 14-2, with four abstentions, to approve a $17 million, five-year contract with Pearson to digitize the SHSAT admissions exam.
The computerized SHSAT will launch next year, with adaptive testing features and paper options available for students requiring accommodations.
Supporters argued the contract was essential to prevent disruption to admissions at eight specialized high schools mandated by state law to use the test.
Critics raised concerns about equity, Pearson's track record, and the potential impact on underrepresented groups, including Black and Hispanic students.
The decision follows public testimony, town halls, and a broader debate about diversity and fairness in NYC's segregated school system.