We’ve compiled a body of resources, news articles, and action you can take to brighten the lives of students (particularly high school seniors), teachers and parents affected by the pandemic we’re all facing. So, sit back, read on, and lend your support to someone in need. We’ll get through this together.
Resources
Free Digital Learning Resources
We’re providing free digital learning resources to students, parents, educators, job seekers, and education and workforce advocates, including live events and webinars, free ACT test prep sessions provided by Kaplan, free SEL curriculum programs, best practices for K12 educators, and more.
Reschedule Your ACT
The ACT test, originally scheduled for April 4, has been postponed. Here’s how to reschedule your test date for June 13, July 18, or a future national test date.
Student Voice Survey Series
Understand what students are saying and learn about their experiences during the pandemic in this new five-part blog series that includes students’ responses related to technology access and internet connectivity, learning at home and online learning, basic needs, current living situation, and health behaviors.
News
In the News
College Bound: 3 changes to the ACT coming this fall
WRAL.com
The new ACT test options including section retesting, superscoring, and faster results with online testing, are still set to roll out to students beginning with the September 2020 test date. Learn about how these changes will benefit test-takers.
ACT Research
IDAHO’S TWO LARGEST DISTRICTS CALL TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES TO MAP INTERNET ACCESS
Idaho Education News
Disparities in students’ access to a reliable computer and internet connection has long been on the minds of education advocates. ACT research on the digital divide sheds light on the new normal of online learning for Idaho’s two largest districts.
Views
Opinion: Colleges should still require standardized testing scores despite COVID-19
High School Presented By The Los Angeles Times
A high school junior details his view on why standardized tests should still be a requirement for applying to institutions this fall. He reasons that ACT and SAT tests objectively determine fit and set students’ standards for applying to a specific school.
Research tells us standardized admissions tests benefit under-represented students
EdSource Commentary (from ACT)
ACT’s Wayne Camara and Michelle Croft discuss how standardized test scores benefit underrepresented students and college admissions decisions, specifically for University of California admissions, by accurately predicting college success.
Dig Deeper: Learn about Standardized Testing in College Admissions as it relates to the University of California Standardized Testing Task Force’s policy discussion and report.
Action
College Signing Day
High school seniors’ lives have been turned upside-down, and many exciting milestones will not proceed as planned. Help uplift and inspire seniors to continue along their path to education and workforce success by joining in virtual College Signing Day celebrations throughout the months of May and June. Here’s what you can do:
- Take a selfie in your college gear
- Tweet or post a motivational quote or words of encouragement and congratulations with your selfie
- Use #CollegeSigningDay and (if on Twitter) tag @BetterMakeRoom, @ReachHigher, and @ACT.
We know this is not an easy time, but we still want to celebrate your achievements and the commitment you're making to pursue higher education! #CollegeSigningDay pic.twitter.com/NvJzO2Ln1E— Better Make Room 🎓 (@BetterMakeRoom) April 21, 2020
Teacher Appreciation Week
Show some love for the teachers in your life during Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4-8) and #ThankATeacher. Stay tuned for blogs from ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning, and ACT CEO Marten Roorda. Use this toolkit from National PTA to celebrate our teachers.
Webinar with the American Federation of Teachers
How can parents ensure that learning accelerates as we collectively navigate learning at home? Join Mawi Asgedom and the American Federation of Teachers for a webinar on May 7 at noon central, to learn how to combat the “COVID-19 slide” and keep social and emotional learning front and center. Register here.
