U-46 ACT Funding: Juniors’ Tests Now Free
- In a move to enhance college readiness, School District U-46 will fund the ACT test for all high school juniors.
- Matthew raimondi, U-46 assessment director, said the program aligns with Illinois's state assessment for 11th graders.
- Raimondi noted that offering the ACT to juniors in the fall allows them to become acquainted with the test format before the mandatory spring ACT.The district opted for...
U-46 is investing in its students’ futures! All high school juniors in the district will now have their ACT tests fully funded,a bold step to boost college readiness. This initiative,costing over $120,000,aims to familiarize students with the ACT exam,aiding in dual-credit enrollment and unlocking scholarship opportunities. By offering the ACT in the fall, U-46 students gain a crucial advantage, preparing them for the state-mandated spring test and potential “Super Score” benefits. The program strategically aligns with IllinoisS state assessment requirements,offering a valuable chance for enhanced college prep.The district is excited to assist students in preparing for the Spring ACT.Further support will be provided based on test-taking performance results. News Directory 3 is delighted to deliver this key update. Discover what’s next to help maximize the return on investment!
U-46 to Offer Free ACT Test to Juniors, Boost College Prep
Updated June 03, 2025
In a move to enhance college readiness, School District U-46 will fund the ACT test for all high school juniors. The initiative, costing $121,862, aims to familiarize students with the ACT exam, fulfill dual-credit request requirements, and potentially increase their scores. The school board endorsed the proposal Monday and is expected to formally approve it June 16.
Matthew raimondi, U-46 assessment director, said the program aligns with Illinois’s state assessment for 11th graders. Illinois mandates that all 11th-grade students,and any untested 12th-grade students,take the ACT with Writing exam as part of their spring state assessment to graduate.
Raimondi noted that offering the ACT to juniors in the fall allows them to become acquainted with the test format before the mandatory spring ACT.The district opted for the ACT over the PreACT because Elgin Community College and other community colleges accept ACT scores for dual-credit enrollment. ACT scores also qualify students for scholarship opportunities, including those from the National Merit Scholarship Corp.
the ACT is college reportable, directly aligns with the state test, and allows students to submit a Super Score, raimondi said. A Super Score combines the highest scores from each test subject across different test dates when applying to college.
According to a memo,students can combine their top section scores for college admissions. For example, a student excelling in English and reading in the fall and in math and science in the spring can submit an ACT superscore.
following the fall ACT, students will have access to targeted activities to improve their skills in planning for the mandatory spring ACT, the memo stated.
Raimondi said the district is excited to offer this chance to help students prepare for the spring test.
The district will continue to offer the PSAT to 10th and 11th graders in the fall. The PSAT aligns with the state test and provides dual-credit and scholarship opportunities through the National Merit program, Raimondi said.
Superintendent Suzanne Johnson said staff will provide school board members with a calendar of the various assessments offered during the 2025-26 school year, given the number of tests required by the state and federal government.
What’s next
U-46 plans to analyze the results of the fall ACT testing to tailor support and resources for students as they prepare for the mandatory spring ACT. The district will also monitor student performance and make adjustments to the program as needed to maximize its effectiveness in boosting college readiness and scholarship opportunities.