Dear Parent/Guardian,
\r\nPlease read about this opportunity from the Arkansas Department of Education Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (ADE: DESE).
\r\nOpportunity to Take the ACT® Test for Free
\r\nThe ADE: DESE is paying for students enrolled in an Arkansas public school in grade 11 during the testing window to take the ACT® test at school, during the school day, on Tuesday, March 29th, 2022, to assist students as they prepare for their future after high school. There is no cost to you for this administration.
\r\nBenefits of Taking the ACT
\r\nThe ACT includes multiple-choice tests in English, mathematics, reading, and science. It measures what is learned in high school and will provide a gauge of academic readiness for college classes. Additionally, the results may be used when exploring college majors, careers, and life goals.
\r\nCompleting Non-Test Information
\r\nStudents will receive a Taking the ACT booklet from their high school, which includes a checklist for taking the ACT, information about sending and receiving scores, testing rules and policies, and non-test questions. Students are required to provide identifying information—name (first, last, middle initial), date of birth, and mailing address—for ACT to generate and deliver score reports. Questions about college and career interests are optional, and include high school course/grade information, a Student Profile Section, and an Interest Inventory section. Refer to the Taking the ACT if you would like to see what is asked. A session for examinees to complete identifying information and non-test questions will be held on March 14th, 2022.
\r\nBecause examinees designate third-party recipients of their scores during the non-test session, students who are not eligible students as defined by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) must have express parental consent to participate. When a student turns 18 years old, or enters a postsecondary institution at any age, the rights under FERPA transfer from the parents to the student (“eligible student”). Parents/guardians should contact the local school district for the appropriate consent to release or refusal form.
\r\nStudents Instructed to Skip Question about Religious Affiliation
\r\nBefore starting the Student Profile Section, during the session in which examinees complete identifying information and non-test questions, staff will instruct students not to answer the question about religious affiliation per Arkansas/state law.
\r\nParticipation in EOS
\r\nOne of the optional non-test information questions is to participate in the free Educational Opportunity Service (EOS) from ACT, which allows colleges, universities, financial aid and scholarship agencies, and other educational programs to provide information to students. ACT research shows that participating in EOS benefits students by giving them greater access to information about colleges and programs of study, expanding their possibilities for future success.
\r\nStudent Information Shared with Organizations Participating in EOS
\r\nName, mailing address, email address, gender, date of birth, racial/ethnicity background
Gender, date of birth, racial/ethnicity background
High school, year of high school graduation, intended college major and occupational choice
Information provided in the Student Profile Section, the ACT test score range
All organizations participating in EOS have agreed to use this information only for the purpose of sharing information about their educational, scholarship, or financial aid programs with students. This information is used to provide targeted information to students and will not be shared with state or district officials.
\r\nState Use Questions
\r\nThe ADE: DESE has compiled a few questions that students will be asked. These are related to our school system, accountability, and accommodations.
\r\nOpting out of EOS
\r\nThis service may be stopped at any time by contacting ACT at 319.337.1270 or completing this form: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/opting-out-of-eos.html.
\r\nPreparation Resources
\r\nFind preparation resources at www.act.org/info-for-examinees.
\r\nPreparing for the ACT, test taking strategies, tips for each content area, a complete practice test
Taking the ACT, a checklist for taking the ACT, information about sending and receiving scores, testing rules and policies, non-test questions
Contact Information
\r\nWe’re pleased to offer this opportunity in collaboration with the ADE: DESE. If you have questions, please contact the high school at 479.394.1144 or the ADE: DESE Office of Student Assessment at 501.682.4558.