• FREE ACT FOR JUNIORS (Class of 2025)
    APRIL 9, 2024

    The Parkway School District is providing all 11th graders the opportunity to take the ACT at school on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at no cost. Please review the answers below to frequently asked questions and see Mrs. Prange in Counseling if you have additional questions or concerns.

    **Need to apply for testing accommodations?  The request for accommodations must be submitted in January/February, so check with your IEP case manager or Mrs. Prange to start the process as soon as possible.

    Test Date and Location

    When is the test and where will it be held?
    The test is Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at PCH. Students will report directly to their testing room at 7:35. School will dismiss at 11:35 after standard time testing has concluded.  Room assignments will be shared closer to the test date.  Students testing with extended time and/or over multiple days will receive separate communication from Mrs. Prange regarding their testing schedule.  Many will test beyond the 11:35 dismissal, so another bus route will run at 1:30 for those who need transportation.

    If I miss the April 9th test date, is there a make-up opportunity?
    There is not a make-up test date for the District ACT.  If you already have a planned absence on April 9th and know you will miss the test, please let Mrs. Prange know as soon as possible.  

    About the ACT

    What is on the ACT?
    The ACT is made up of four curriculum-based multiple-choice tests (English, mathematics, reading, science). The composition of the test is:

    • English Test – 75 items, 45 minutes
    • Mathematics Test – 60 items, 60 minutes
    • 10 minute testing break to use the restroom and have a snack (if needed)
    • Reading Test – 40 items, 35 minutes
    • Science Test – 40 items, 35 minutes
      **Please note –the district ACT will NOT include the optional Writing section

    Is this a “real” ACT?
    Yes. Your score will be reportable to all colleges and universities in the United States. NCAA also accepts your score for eligibility consideration.

    Registration

    Do I need to do anything to sign up for the test?
    All juniors enrolled at Parkway Central are automatically registered to take the test unless marked exempt by a parent or by SSD or ESOL staff. Students will receive instructions from the district in March on how to create an ACT web account (or connect to an existing account) and complete non-test information online prior to test day.  This 8 minute video walks you through the entire process.  Non-test information includes: a) demographic information; b) high school coursework; c) college plans; and d) score recipients (sending your scores to up to 4 colleges for free). Note: not all non-test information questions are required (feel free to skip everything that doesn't have a red asterisk!). There will be time devoted during Academic Lab in March to complete these steps, if needed.  All non-test information needs to be completed by Tuesday, March 26.

    What if I have an IEP or 504 Plan that gives me accommodation for testing?
    ACT provides test accommodations in accordance with Title III of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). Schools provide accommodations under different regulations. Thus, having a diagnosis and receiving accommodations in school does not guarantee ACT approval of those accommodations. After receiving permission from a parent/guardian, requests for ACT-approved test accommodations for students with diagnosed disabilities who are receiving special education services described in a current IEP or 504 Plan were completed and submitted by the school.  You will receive notification from your case manager regarding the results of requested accommodations.  For those students who are approved to test with extended time or multiple-day testing, your case manager will have information regarding your specific testing schedule and room assignments.

    Test Day

    What do I need to bring with me to the test?
    Bring photo ID, #2 pencils with erasers and a permitted calculator. You may use any four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator, unless it has features described in the Prohibited Calculators list. Using the TI-89 is the most common reason students are dismissed from the ACT for prohibited calculator use.  Students testing with accommodations should refer to their email for any additional instructions on things they need to bring.

    What is not allowed?
    Eating, drinking and the use of reading materials are not permitted in the test room. There is a 10 minute break between tests 2 & 3 where you may have a snack and/or drink if you would like to bring one.  You may not have a cell phone, smartwatches/fitness bands, media player, or electronic device of any kind in the test room (other than a permitted calculator) and you may not use them during scheduled breaks.

    If I finish early, may I work on other things?
    No. You may not read or engage in any other activity that could distract others from testing. If you finish before time is called, recheck your work on that test.  

    Study Resources

    What are some study resources available to help me prepare for the ACT?
    Check out the Test Prep Info website to find both free and fee-based resources to help you prepare for testing.

    Results

    When will my results be available?
    Students will have the ability to access their scores through their ACT web account (created prior to the test date), and will receive an email when scores are posted. ACT reports that the test scores will be available approximately 3-8 weeks (Apr 30-June 4) after answer documents are received.