The history of standardized testing is deeply intertwined with the evolution of the College Board, an institution that shaped educational assessment in the United States. Valentine’s (1987) book presents this history divided into two parts: 

 Part 1: The Foundation and Early Impact (1900–Post-World War II)  

The College Board was established in 1900 to standardize college admissions criteria. The organization aimed to create a set of consistent academic standards that would streamline the admissions process across various institutions.  

One of the College Board’s early milestones was its development of standardized examinations that influenced high school curricula. These exams compelled schools to align their teaching with the Board's expectations, developing a degree of curricular standardization.  

 Rise of Standardized Testing: The SAT  

In 1926, the College Board introduced the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), a groundbreaking shift from content-based assessments to a tool designed to measure general aptitude and predict college success. The SAT’s adoption allowed colleges to assess students on a common scale, regardless of their high school’s specific curriculum, further strengthening the test’s role in admissions.  

Curriculum Standardization  

The College Board’s influence wasn’t confined to testing. Its Advanced Placement (AP) program, launched in the mid-20th century, enabled high schools to offer college-level courses. This initiative provided students an opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school, further standardizing curricula.  

 Part 2: Expansion and Diversification (1948–1980)  

The College Board expanded its focus beyond admissions testing to include a broader range of educational services. New initiatives included scholarship assistance programs and guidance services aimed at supporting students in their academic and career planning.  

However, as Lemann (1999) highlights, this idealistic experiment led to unintended social and racial divisions. While standardized testing created pathways for some, it also reinforced societal stratification. Which contributes to the rise of a privileged class that is disconnected from broader society.