ACT for All provides opportunity, exploration

Currently, 60 percent of Montana's graduating seniors take the ACT.

The ACT measures the skills and knowledge in English, math, reading and science that students have learned in school and need to know in order to be ready for first-year college courses.

Tuesday, April 23, every public school junior in Montana will take the ACT college entrance exam at no cost to their families.

Denis Juneau

The test will be provided for public school juniors without cost for the next five years because of a partnership between the Office of Public Instruction and Montana GEAR UP, or Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. Offering the ACT test to all public school juniors will provide us with a statewide picture on how well prepared Montana students are to enter higher education.

When I informed my Student Advisory Board about this opportunity, they cheered and applauded with excitement. Most of my advisory board members are juniors and seniors, getting ready to make major decisions about their futures. Each of them knows that acquiring training and education beyond high school will provide them with greater opportunities for economic success. Each of them knows doing well on the ACT can open doors for them as they make plans for life after high school. These opportunities can include access to dual-credit courses as well as scholarships and grants for college.

It is estimated that by 2018, 64 percent of job openings nationally will require education and training beyond high school. In today's global economy, we need to be sure we are preparing Montana's students to be economically successful adults. Some students who thought they were ready for college may find they need to take another math class before they graduate. Other students who hadn't thought college was a possibility for them may find they have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed.

Other states in our region have implemented statewide ACT testing for every junior, including Colorado, Wyoming and North Dakota. Logistical benefits of statewide ACT testing for all public school juniors include: the testing will occur during a school day, students do not have to drive to testing sites, and there will be a make-up day May 7 for those students unable to attend the April 23 testing day. Students can also send their test results to as many as four colleges at no cost.

As April 23 approaches, use this opportunity to talk with your child about his or her plans for the future and what career path he or she is thinking of pursuing. When students receive their results, usually about four or five weeks after the test, take some time to review their results with them and with their guidance counselor. Many students may decide to take the ACT again their senior year if they believe they can get a better score.

Parents and students can find free practice tests and materials as well as career-planning tips at http://www.act.org.

Best of luck to all the ACT test takers.