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(Describer) In computer animation, different news scenes in rectangles move fast around a turning globe.

(Describer) In front of a blue background with a triangle and circle, title: Teen Kids News. A girl sits at a desk with monitors behind her.

Hi, you're watching "Teen Kids News." I'm Lylah. We're all excited to be part of a very special anniversary. This is our 20th season on the air. More on that later in the program. But now, let's get to our top story.

(Describer) The Teen Kids News logo is on curved screens that form a turning cylinder. Title: Top Story.

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If taking the PSAT, or SAT is in your future, there's a major change coming. Ava explains. First, a little bit of history.

[lively music] In the year 1926,

Calvin Coolidge was America's 30th president. Robert Goddard launched space exploration, by sending up the first rocket propelled by liquid fuel. 19-year-old Trudy Ederle dove into the history books by becoming the first woman to swim across the English Channel. A.A. Milne introduced young readers to the adorable honey-loving bear, "Winnie the Pooh." Inventor John Baird gave the first public demonstration of a device we can't imagine living without, television. And 1926 was the first time that high school students had to tackle the SAT. Over the years, the SAT has changed, and now we're about to see one of its biggest changes ever. And that's the perfect cue to welcome back a good friend of "Teen Kids News," Rob Franek. He's the editor in chief of "The Princeton Review." Let's not keep our viewers in suspense. What is the big change for the SAT, as well as for the PSAT? The SAT and the PSAT are going digital. From now on, you'll be taking those tests on a computer, laptop, or on a tablet. Pencil and paper test versions will be no more, except for students with special needs. And this starts as of? Couple of dates to keep in mind. In March of 2023, SAT tests will be given internationally in a completely digital format. Fast forward to fall of 2023, where all PSAT tests will be given in the digital format. And then spring of 2024, that's March of 2024, all SAT tests will now be digital exams. Besides being digital, what are some other changes? Couple of big changes, and really wonderful changes for students, is that it will be an hour shorter. So the current SAT, the pencil and paper SAT is a three-hour test, the new digital version will be a two-hour test. Next on the list, they'll be shorter reading passages. Calculators will now be used on every math section, and actually the calculator is built into the digital device that you'll be having as well. And students will get their scores faster. I like all those changes. What about the ACT? Well, right now the ACT is giving all of their international testing locations for the ACT the digital version of the exam. And that's been happening for three years. It is very likely that the ACT domestically here in the United States will go fully digital, but they haven't announced it yet, so it will not happen this year. Here's something we've talked about in the past-- whether or not to take advantage of the choice to go test optional. Do these new digital tests change the calculus? The short answer is no, it doesn't change the calculus in college admission. Let's remember that some colleges went test optional due to the pandemic. Many of those schools are now pivoting back, to requiring the SAT and ACT. Let's also remember that test scores are still used in financial award decisions. That's at both test-optional schools, as well as test-required schools. And last on the list, the SAT and the ACT still allow us to distinguish ourselves from other students that we're gonna be competing with in that cohort. Rob, gotta say, when it comes to guest experts, you're not optional, you're required. Thanks. You're welcome. Pleasure to be here. And if you're wondering if the new digital tests cost less than the old pencil and paper ones, Rob says, "The fees have not yet been announced, but 'The Princeton Review' "will post information on its website as soon as they know about this." For "Teen Kids News," I'm Ava.

(Describer) Lylah:

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We've got lots more coming up on "Teen Kids News," so keep watching, we'll be right back.

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(Describer) Spinning with the triangle and circle, title: Teen Kids News.

(Describer) Benjamin:

There's nothing funny about collecting comic books. With some of them selling for millions of dollars, collectors take comic books very seriously. Like most collectibles, the value of a comic mostly depends on its rarity, and it's condition. The problem with comics is that most of them don't wear well. When comic books began hitting the newsstands back in the 1930s, they were made to sell at prices kids could afford, so they were made as cheaply as possible, especially the paper. With time, cheap paper can turn yellow, become brittle, and even fade. Comics just weren't originally intended to last. That's why in figuring the value of a comic book, you have to look very carefully at its condition. Comics are graded on a scale, starting at 1, and going up to 10. At the top is mint. Basically a comic that is in, or nearly in perfect condition. Comics in perfect mint condition were probably never even read, since that could hurt their condition. A few steps below that is fine. You can see that the comic has been handled, but very gently. Good means you can see some damage, but it's minor. Fair, the comic is worn and tattered. Poor, lots of damage. In fact, the comic may not have any value. The difference in condition is why two versions of the same comic can command vastly different prices. So what's the most expensive comic book ever sold? I'm gonna say a "Batman" comic? "Avengers?" I think Marvel, probably. I have no idea. Here's a hint-- it was out of this world. I'm sorry, I don't know any comic books. How about it was super expensive? "Superman?" "Superman?" Yes, the most expensive comic book ever is the one that introduced "Superman." "Action Comics Number 1" was published when our great grandparents were kids, in 1938. The DC comic was written by Jerry Siegel, and drawn by Joe Schuster. It sold on eBay for $3.2 million. The next most expensive comic is another DC superhero, "Batman." The Caped Crusader made his debut in "Detective Comics Number 27" in 1939. The writer was Bill Finger, art by the legendary Bob Kane. You could have picked that issue up for $2,230,000. If you're a Marvel fan, you might be wondering how "Spider-Man" compares to "Superman." The friendly neighborhood web slinger first appeared in "Amazing Fantasy 15" in 1962. Stan Lee was the writer, and Steve Ditko the artist. That issue sold for $1.1 million. And if you've ever wondered why comic books are called comic books, back in the 1930s, newspapers had a section called The Funnies. It was filled with entertaining stories, told through a short sequence of cartoon drawings, known as comic strips. As the legend goes, an enterprising salesman came up with the idea of reprinting the newspaper comic strips, but in booklet form. And some household products gave you coupons that you could mail in, to get sent one of those books made from comics. That early form of merch proved so popular, a new industry sprang up. And instead of just recycling comic strips from the newspapers, the race was on to create original work. And the comic book as we know it was born. For "Teen Kids News," I'm Benjamin.

(Describer) Lylah:

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We have to take a quick break, but don't go away, because "Teen Kids News" will be right back.

(Describer) Title: Proofing for Perfection

It's time for "Make the Grade." Here's Christin with this week's advice. When you hand in a paper, you might not get the grade you want if you miss an important step. Because the difference between an A and a C can be a P... P for proofreading. Yes, I know that computers have little red lines that alert us to misspellings, but you can't rely on that. Let's say you typed, I reed a book a week. Unless you're using papyrus, which is actually a reed, you misspelled read, but your computer probably won't catch that. However, your teacher will. As for auto correcting, sometimes it's helpful, but sometimes it's not. First of all, when the computer auto corrects a misspelled word, it often ends up substituting a wrong word. Sometimes you weren't even at fault. Before you finish typing the word, the auto correct guessed at what you intended to write, and finished it for you. Unfortunately, the computer got it wrong. Sure, you can deal with that problem by disabling your auto correct, but the best way to make sure what you wrote is correct is to carefully proofread. Here are some tips. Print what you wrote. Most of us find it easier to proof on paper than on the computer screen. Read very slowly. Look at one word at a time, and if possible, read out loud. I know that sounds like a lot of effort, but experts say our brains actually make it hard for us to catch our mistakes. We tend to see what we think we wrote, instead of what's really on the page. The best proof that proofreading works is to give it a try. I'm Christin here to help you "Make the Grade."

(Describer) Lylah:

Whether from drinking alcohol, or using any type of drugs, driving under the influence is dangerous. And the National Road Safety Foundation wants you to remember that.

(Describer) At night, a policeman goes to a car he's pulled over.

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License and registration please.

(Driver) I, I know they're here somewhere. Well, I stopped you, 'cause you were swerving in and out of your lane.

For real? (Officer) For real. Have you been drinking tonight, sir?

(Describer) Beer cans lie in the passenger seat.

(Driver) No, sir. Those aren't mine. Well, you look pretty hammered to me, sir. Step out of the vehicle, please.

(Driver) Man, I... I don't... I don't know what you're talking about, sir.

(Describer) The driver wears a giant hammer on his head. Lylah:

(Narrator 2) Drive hammered, get nailed. The NRSF produces lots of helpful videos. To see more of them, and to find info on driving safely, be sure to like, follow, and subscribe to the National Road Safety Foundation.

(Describer) A viewer email says, "I would like to say that this educational show is amazing! Signed, Christina."

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Still ahead, we look back. As part of our 20th anniversary of "Teen Kids News," we'll stroll down memory lane with another former reporter. We'll be right back. News for teens, delivered by teens, is the mission of "Teen Kids News." And we've been doing that for 20 years now. Here's another one of our team, who contributed a lot to the program over the years.

(Describer) Titles: Teen Kids News. Looking Back.

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(Describer) Eden Primo-Lack. Reporter, Seasons 8 to 14.

According to the Department of Agriculture, one out of every five kids in the US struggles with hunger. That's why gardens like these are so important. Hi, I'm Eden. I was a reporter for "Teen Kids News," and I joined the "Teen Kids News" family at the age of 10, all the way through to the age of 18.

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(Describer) Title: What was the experience like?

Welcome to Camp Broadway. There are no campfires here, but still things are really cooking.

(All) ♪ Far from his mother's knee ♪

(Describer) An arrow points to her performing with the campers.

♪ she was... ♪

(Eden) I wanted to be on "Teen Kids' News" because it just looked like so much fun, and I just wanted to be a part of it. I just had to be a part of it.

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(Describer) Title: Favorite Memory?

When you're in front of the camera, and you're doing a take, and you mess up, or you don't pronounce a word correctly, or fully or you misread a line, and that sort of initial feeling that you get, and the director, and the whole production team just, you know, finding ways to make you laugh and smile, and have a good time, and reassure you that it's okay, that's what sticks with me the most.

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(Describer) What's the hardest part of being a reporter?

Don't look now, but your plants might be talking to each other. And that definitely when I started out, I always found a little bit difficult, was how to make myself sound like I was talking to other people, rather than talking to a camera. So, that is probably one of the most difficult things about being a reporter.

(Describer) Teen Kids News gives more than just the news...

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Not everyone has the ability to have help, whether it's with college applications, or SAT prep.

(Rob Franek) Double and triple check everything. But also remember to follow the directions. It's been proven that listening to music can help you study better.

(Eden) And, you know, this show really is sort of like the help helpful older sibling, in the way that it teaches you things that you might not necessarily be able to learn on your own, because of your other circumstances.

(Describer) Title: Do you miss your days on Teen Kids News?

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I have so many happy memories of just being on the set, and with the rest of my "Teen Kids News" family. And, you know, it's something that I think about so fondly, even now. And even to my friends and family, I have small anecdotes about "Teen Kids News" that I tell them, it's a really special thing to be a part of "Teen Kids News," and I'm really grateful to have had the opportunity.

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(Describer) Title: Happy 20th Anniversary, Teen Kids News! Lylah:

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It's time for another short break. But we'll be right back with more "Teen Kids News," so stay with us.

(Describer) Titles: Coming up, Energy Efficient Homes. Spinning with the triangle and circle, title: Teen Kids News.

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(Describer) Blake:

Many low income homes are going to be warmer in the winter, and cooler in the summer. This is thanks to government funding announced by President Biden. The money will help to make these homes more energy efficient.

(Describer) Lylah:

Well, that wraps up our show for this week. But we'll be back with more "Teen Kids News" next week. See you then.

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(Describer) Titles: Producer: Marilou Yacoub Director/Writer: Alan J. Weiss Camera and Editing: Rick Lavon, David Lauterbach Production Intern: Linsey Loraditch Executive Producers: Albert T. Primo, Alan J. Weiss Copyright Alan Weiss Productions Inc. 2022 Accessibility provided by the US Department of Education. Alan Weiss Productions

Accessibility provided by the U.S. Department of Education.

(Describer) Accessibility provided by the US Department of Education.