November 15, 2024

ACT Parent Letter November 2024

November 15, 2024

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As many of you are aware, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) announced in the spring of 2024 that it will not renew its contract with the College Board for the SAT. Instead, the State will be transitioning to the ACT as the high school accountability assessment. This means that juniors will take the ACT with Essay on April 22, 2025, while the sophomores (PreACT), and freshmen (PreACT 9) will test on March 19, 2025.

We understand that the switch from the SAT to the ACT has caused some anxiety for both students and parents. Please know that we are committed to ensuring our students are fully prepared for this change. Just as we did when we transitioned to the SAT several years ago, our teachers are working diligently to familiarize themselves with ACT standards and assessment strategies. They are integrating ACT-style questions and digital testing formats into their weekly lessons and activities. We’ve found that this exposure was invaluable in helping students succeed with the SAT, and we believe it will have the same positive impact as we prepare for the ACT.

While we recognize that the timing of this transition may not be ideal—especially for juniors—we are focused on providing as much support as possible. In addition to the classroom preparation, there are several resources available to help students prepare for the test:

  • Varsity Tutors offers a comprehensive set of tools to help students prepare for the ACT. The platform provides full-length practice exams covering all sections of the test—English, Reading, Math, and Science—allowing students to familiarize themselves with the test format and timing. Embedded flashcards are available across a range of subjects, including reading, writing, grammar, algebra, biology, and physics, to support focused review.

A standout feature is the “Learn by Concept” tool, which lets students answer practice questions and view detailed explanations for each answer, reinforcing their understanding of key topics. Students can also target specific ACT sections, such as English or Math, based on their individual needs. For added flexibility, the platform allows users to create custom flashcards for a more personalized study experience.

Additionally, if students need extra support, they can connect with a tutor directly through the app for one-on-one help with ACT prep or any specific questions.

  • Free Practice ACT: A practice ACT will be administered at BHS in early February at no cost. We will share more details and the sign-up form once the event is finalized.
  • Online ACT Resources: A variety of additional resources, including test-taking tips, practice tests, and other study materials, are available online. 
  • ExcelEdge ACT Prep Classes: These prep courses will be offered at BHS in January and February. The classes will meet once a week for two hours over eight weeks, covering all five ACT test content areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and Writing. Juniors will also take a full-length practice ACT at the end of the course. More information will be shared once the details are finalized. (Please note, there will be a cost associated with ExcelEdge.)

Our goal is to ensure that every student feels confident and prepared for the ACT in April. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,
Bob Dietz
Associate Principal