The ACT assessment and ACT WorkKeys are vital tools designed to evaluate and enhance students’ readiness for both college and careers. These programs offer distinct pathways, each focusing on different aspects of post-high school success. Understanding the purpose and structure of these assessment tests is crucial for educators, students, and parents alike.
Understanding ACT State Testing for College Readiness
The ACT State Testing program is fundamentally an educational planning instrument. It’s meticulously crafted to gauge high school students’ academic preparedness for the rigors of college-level coursework. This standards-based assessment aligns with curriculum expectations, providing a robust measure of what students have learned and how well they can apply that knowledge in a standardized testing environment. Typically administered to eleventh-grade students during the academic year, the ACT ensures that a broad cohort of students is evaluated, including those whose birthdays place them within the eleventh-grade age group, regardless of their formal grade classification. This inclusive approach aims to capture a comprehensive view of college readiness across the student population.
Exploring ACT WorkKeys for Career Readiness
In contrast to the college-focused ACT State Testing, ACT WorkKeys is geared towards career readiness. It comprises a series of assessments specifically designed to measure essential skills needed for thriving in today’s dynamic 21st-century workplace. The cornerstone of ACT WorkKeys is the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC), a valuable credential awarded based on performance across three core assessments: Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents. To earn an NCRC, examinees must achieve a minimum score of 3 on each of these assessments. The certificate itself is issued at four escalating levels – Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum – signifying progressively higher levels of workplace competency.
For school districts and charter schools participating in a statewide testing agreement, ACT WorkKeys becomes even more accessible. These institutions are eligible to receive grant funding to support the administration of the ACT WorkKeys assessment series for students in grades 10-12. This funding opportunity underscores the state’s commitment to fostering career readiness among its students.
Statewide Agreement and Reimbursement for ACT WorkKeys
Mississippi has established a statewide agreement to facilitate ACT WorkKeys testing, operating on an opt-in basis for school districts. Districts electing to participate in this agreement initiate the process by completing an opt-in survey in the early fall, followed by a formal participation agreement with ACT.
Recognizing the financial implications of assessment testing, the Mississippi Legislature has allocated funds to reimburse districts for ACT WorkKeys expenses. Through the Mississippi House Bill 1600 (2022), $1,000,000 has been earmarked for this purpose. Districts participating in the statewide ACT WorkKeys testing agreement can apply for reimbursement by submitting a comprehensive application, including a cover sheet, an Excel form, testing rosters, and paid invoices. These materials are submitted to the ACT WorkKeys folder within the Student Assessment Navigator, with applications due in the first week of June 2025.
Resources for ACT Career Programs and Assessment Tests
For further information and detailed resources on both ACT State Testing and ACT WorkKeys, please refer to the links provided below. These resources offer in-depth insights into test specifications, preparation materials, and program guidelines.
Resources:
ACT State Testing
ACT WorkKeys
Tools and Applications:
ACT WorkKeys
Parent Information
National Test Information
