ACT test changes coming next year

The ACT test is typically given on Saturdays at select locations six times during the year. It is a paper/pencil test given to juniors and seniors. ACT has two other tests that are given prior to the ACT called PLAN (for grade 10) and EXPLORE (for grade 8). Next year ACT has a new program called ASPIRE which will replace the PLAN and EXPLORE tests. It goes from grades 3-10 and leads to the ACT test for juniors and seniors. Bancroft-Rosalie will be giving the ASPIRE test to grades 7,8,9, and 10 next Fall. Test results will show where students have gaps in their learning and have the opportunity to improve those areas prior to taking the ACT. At the present time MAP tests and DIBELS tests in grades K-6 provide enough information to make educational decisions for elementary students. If the State of Nebraska adopts the ACT as the state test for Juniors, then we will need to rethink our testing program. Other ACT test changes- - Schools will be able to give the ACT test at their own school site on a weekday. Moving the test off Saturdays and letting students take them in a familiar environment is a great idea in my opinion. Bancroft-Rosalie students can take the test on September 30. We will align our ACT test prep program around this date. We will apply for a test date in the spring also. - Next year the test will still be paper/pencil, but there are plans to make a computer version in 2015-16. Schools like B-R that have the technology available will be able to take advantage of this.