ACT

We are thrilled to announce that registration for the 2025 ACT Summit — our inaugural thought leadership and convening event for leaders in K-12, higher education, and the workforce — is now open!  Join us in Nashville on July 15-17 for a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow alongside innovators and decision-makers across the K-career spectrum. With sessions for K-12, Workforce, and Higher Education, the event offers tailored insights and strategies for every sector.  You can expect: ✅ Thought leadership — Hear how collaborative practice turns into policy.  ✅Inspiring keynotes — Fresh perspectives to drive innovation.  ✅Dynamic storytellers — individuals working outside the status quo.  ✅Valuable networking — Share goals with leaders outside of your sector.  ✅Engaging Sessions — Strategies and ideas you won’t find elsewhere.  ✅Exclusive Nashville experiences — Enjoy the city’s culture, cuisine, and music. Collaboration between education and workforce stakeholders strengthens education-to-career pathways and enhances readiness and outcomes for learners at every stage of life. Learn more, explore the full agenda, and secure your spot today: https://hubs.ly/Q032Vl2P0 We’ll see you in Nashville! #ACTSummit #HigherEd #Workforce #WorkforceDevelopment #FutureOfWork #ProfessionalDevelopment #EdTech #K12Education

OUT TODAY: A new ACT study, "ACT Scores Help Predict College Readiness for Students Testing with Accommodations," examines how well ACT Composite scores predict college outcomes — including first-year GPA and degree completion — for students who take the ACT test with accommodations.   “Across the outcomes studied, as students’ ACT Composite score increases, so does their predicted first-year GPA and their likelihood of earning their associate’s degree or transferring from a two-year institution to a four-year institution, further validating the ACT test’s success in accurately predicting college readiness,” said Lead Research Scientist Joann Moore, who authored the report along with Research Scientist Joyce Zhou-Yile Schnieders.   This research highlights the importance of using multiple measures, like ACT scores and high school GPA, when evaluating student readiness and reinforces ACT’s commitment to helping all students succeed after high school, no matter what postsecondary pathway they pursue.   Read the blog and explore the research: https://lnkd.in/eyrv7QEi.

Happy National Engineers Week!! I was recently featured in ACT’s Student Blog: The Next Generation of Engineers! It’s an honor to be recognized alongside other aspiring engineers who are passionate about shaping the future through innovation. Biomedical engineering has given me the opportunity to merge my love for exploring science with problem solving to make a real impact on people’s lives. It’s truly an honor to be able to share my experience through ACT’s student blog and hopefully inspire the younger generation of aspiring engineers and scientists. I would like to express my gratitude to ACT for highlighting the next generation of STEM leaders. Thank you to Amy Smitter, Kelly Wheeler, and Briar Worley for this wonderful opportunity! Check out the blog to learn more about my journey and those of other inspiring students: https://lnkd.in/g5Uaf7wF #BiomedicalEngineering #STEM #EngineeringTheFuture #Innovation #NextGenEngineers

Did you know there are more than 10 million workers who are Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs) in the rural United States through work experience, military service, community college, and training programs? These talented individuals are a driving force behind innovation and growth in rural communities — yet their potential often goes untapped. Join us on Wednesday, March 26, at 1:00 p.m. CT for an insightful webinar on the power of rural STARs and how we can unlock new opportunities for them and their communities. Register now: https://hubs.ly/Q037BqkR0 #RuralDevelopment #STARs #Workforce #EconomicOpportunity   

For the mom's and dad's of high school students out there, be sure to check out and bookmark the new ACT Counselor Blog (https://lnkd.in/gwEBKA5f). You will find some of the amazing practical advice that I am so fortunate to get everyday as the dad of an 11th grader from my amazing colleagues on our Counselor Outreach team.

The ACT Summit is more than a gathering. We are convening workforce professionals, higher education leaders, and K-12 leaders to create a fully integrated experience that fosters cross-sector collaboration. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with peers, share experiences, and collaborate on innovative solutions that span the K-career spectrum. Register now at the early-bird rate: https://lnkd.in/eM8WDG6D #ACTSummit #HigherEd #Workforce #WorkforceDevelopment #FutureOfWork #ProfessionalDevelopment #EdTech #K12Education

What does it take to pursue higher education? Determination, resilience, and the proper support. This Black History Month, we celebrate three inspiring D.M. Therrell High School seniors navigating their paths to college with purpose and vision. Jarrell, an aspiring scientist, finds inspiration in his teachers, who encourage his intellectual curiosity. Madison is determined to break into the fashion industry and credits her grandmother for teaching her the value of creativity and perseverance. Beau aspires to improve mental health resources for young people and sees his journey as an opportunity to bring much-needed support to his community. These students have faced challenges, from financial barriers to limited access to advanced coursework. Each has a unique story, but they all share a common drive—to succeed against the odds. "Believe in yourself, and don’t let doubt hold you back. No matter who you are, there will be obstacles, but perseverance and confidence will help you push through, " Beau said. Their stories remind us why access to education matters and why we must continue breaking down barriers. Read the blog post and join us in celebrating their voices this Black History Month: https://lnkd.in/egJeDJ87 #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM #HigherEd #EducationMatters #CollegeAccess #StudentVoices

We are excited to introduce the ACT Counselor Blog—a dedicated resource to support school counselors in guiding students toward success. The blog features expert advice on key topics, including: 💡 College and career readiness strategies 💡Tools to empower students' academic and professional goals 💡Real-world success stories from schools across the country At ACT, we understand the importance of your role in student achievement and well-being. This blog is here to provide you with practical resources and insights to enhance your impact. Explore the blog and see how ACT can support the important work you do: https://lnkd.in/ebfb4vCq #SchoolCounselors #StudentSuccess #CollegeAndCareerReadiness #HigherEd #CollegeAdmissions

The 2025 ACT Summit is coming to Nashville, TN! 📅 When: July 15-17, 2025 Join us in "Music City, USA" for a unique gathering of K-12, higher education, and workforce leaders ready to tackle today's top challenges. The event highlights include: ✔️ Keynote by former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. ✔️Panel on cross-sector collaboration across education and workforce. ✔️Exploring postsecondary trends to close workforce skills gaps.   Experience the perfect blend of learning, networking, and Nashville’s vibrant culture. Early-bird rates are available through April 1! See the full agenda and register here: https://hubs.ly/Q032Vl440 #ACTSummit #HigherEd #Workforce #WorkforceDevelopment #FutureOfWork #ProfessionalDevelopment #EdTech #K12Education #Education

The latest NAEP, The Nation's Report Card underscores the urgent challenges facing our education system. The decline in reading scores among America's fourth and eighth graders in 2024 is a stark reminder of the critical need for effective educational strategies.   At ACT, we recognize the immense value of the NAEP assessment in providing a comprehensive overview of student performance across the nation. This data is crucial for educators, policymakers, and families as they work to address these challenges and improve student outcomes.   Educational measurement matters. The insights gained from frequent and detailed assessments, such as NAEP and ACT's data, provide an invaluable opportunity for educators to engage more regularly with data and develop targeted strategies to drive improvement and close achievement gaps.   We celebrate Louisiana’s success in significantly improving reading outcomes, the only state to do so in the latest NAEP release. This achievement demonstrates the power of using data-driven strategies to support student learning. By focusing on informed educational measurement, we can empower all stakeholders to take meaningful steps to support students' academic success.