ACT

PRESS RELEASE: New ACT research finds that the “COVID cohort” of students who entered college between 2019 and 2021 were more likely to be placed in developmental courses than students who matriculated prior to the pandemic. The study explores how course placement decisions at one state’s colleges are related to high school GPA and ACT Composite scores and looks how those relationships have developed over time. Higher high school GPAs and ACT Composite scores were associated with lower probabilities of developmental course placement. “Colleges seem to be requiring higher and higher GPAs to show the same level of academic preparedness and college readiness. And it seems as though this shift is affecting students with lower high school GPAs more than students with higher high school GPAs, because it is those students who are more likely to be placed in developmental courses,” said Dr. Edgar Sanchez, lead research scientist at ACT and author of the report. The study recommends a holistic approach to developmental course placement that uses multiple measures rather than relying on only a single criterion such as high school grades or ACT Composite score alone. This approach aligns with best practices and can lead to a more equitable and effective education journey for students. Read the press release here: https://lnkd.in/eMfMcrpq #HigherEd #StandardizedTesting #STEM #ACTTest #TestOptional

With reports of low unemployment and a growing number of job openings, the skills needed to succeed in the job market are changing. Many people still struggle to navigate their career paths. The National ACT State Organizations Virtual Conference will feature a keynote address by Jane Oates, senior policy advisor and recent president for WorkingNation, that explores the ever-evolving job landscape and the effect of technological advances on skill requirements. While artificial intelligence continues to shape workforce conversations, this session highlights the enduring value of uniquely human skills. Register now for this virtual event: https://bit.ly/3L9u3Cg #HigherEducation #Education #Workforce #WorkforceDevelopment #STEM #K12

ACT Scholar and recent Kirkwood Community College graduate Samantha Blackwell’s story is one of perseverance and self-belief. In a new blog post, Samantha discusses how she overcame challenges along her education journey toward earning a bachelor’s degree in sports management. Learn about the importance of self-motivation and finding a supportive community was important to her success as a first-generation college student. “I would say that I have been my biggest supporter,” Samantha says. “Surround yourself with a community of like-minded individuals. This can be difficult if you are taking classes online but even in the career field that you have chosen, find a community that supports your future aspirations and helps you to develop.” Read more about Samantha’s college journey and hopes for the future in the blog post: https://lnkd.in/eip7ejnc 

The 2024 ACT Enrollment Management Summit is less than a month away. Join other college and university enrollment planning professionals in Chicago to gain insights from more than 55 speakers. The sessions are designed to help attendees enhance enrollment strategies at their institutions. Our plenary speakers include: Timothy Shriver, chair of Special Olympics International will inspire you to live and lead with purpose by embracing bravery amid higher education challenges. Learn how to apply practical principles to foster innovative and transformative leadership. Clint Chapman, chief experience officer at Encoura, will share how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing enrollment management. John Friedman, professor at Brown University and co-director of Opportunity Insights, will present recent research findings on high-mobility institutions that admit many students from low-income households and whose students achieve economic success. Kim Reid, Eduventures principal analyst at Encoura, will provide strategies for institutional leaders to maximize their relevance to students and succeed in a market with declining traditional undergraduate enrollment. Register now: https://bit.ly/4bjyLbx #EnrollmentManagement #HigherEducation #HigherEd #ACTEMS24 #Enrollment #CollegeAdmissions

From "Why Apply Day" to "Reach Higher Thursdays," leaders at Petoskey High School created a vibrant college-going culture during ACT’s 2023 American College Application Campaign season. As a result, seniors submitted a record 621 college applications, surpassing the previous record of 395 set in 2022.       In the second installment of a three-part blog series celebrating ACAC School of Excellence awardees, learn more about the student engagement initiatives leaders at Petoskey developed to support students in pursuing their postsecondary goals.     “By participating in College Bound Michigan and using the resources awarded through the program, Petoskey continues to grow their college-going culture and support more and more students in applying to and enrolling in college,” said Kiersten Nolan, ACAC state coordinator for Michigan and strategy assistant at the Michigan College Access Network. Read the inspiring blog post by American College Application Campaign Director Lisa Sommer King to learn more about Petoskey’s success: https://lnkd.in/e3M6wY2V       #HigherEd #HigherEducation #StudentSuccess   

As ACT Scholar Grace Baluengidi prepares to graduate this summer from Kirkwood Community College and pursue her dream career in pediatrics, her passion and enthusiasm for education and caring for people has motivated her to succeed, despite her challenges.      “Determination, willingness to learn, and self-confidence are things that help me to overcome all challenges. From these challenges, I’ve learned that when you are confident and determined to achieve a goal, whatever people can say about your incompetence, your weakness, or your mistakes, you will still work hard and push yourself to accomplish your goal.” Read more about Grace’s journey in a new blog post: https://lnkd.in/e7Vvw7ht

Congratulations to Schuyler County for being named the 100th ACT Work Ready Community in the state of Missouri. Governor Mike Parson visited the Schuyler County R-1 School District to present the school with a certificate for achieving this status, which means that the community's workforce is highly skilled and ready to help businesses and industries succeed. With Schuyler County now being "work ready," students have multiple pathways outside of a four-year degree. “These kids that are here today are the future of the workforce. You come from these small schools, one thing you're going to learn is that work ethic that comes from being from small communities, but these kids are going to have some great opportunities as they go into the workforce and they graduate," said Gov. Parson. Learn more about ACT Work Ready communities here: https://lnkd.in/ec8RK6d #WorkReady #Workforce #WorkforceDevelopment #WorkplaceSuccess https://lnkd.in/eYJ-nzpV

K-12 leaders: Don’t miss your chance to attend a free, in-person ACT College and Career Readiness Workshop near you. Workshops begin in August with limited availability at each location. Our workshops will help you tackle the challenges you face each year, including how to monitor student growth, adjust curriculum to meet standards, and guide students toward postsecondary and career success. Save your seat: https://bit.ly/45aIzmL #K12 #CollegeReadiness #CareerReadiness #Education #PostsecondarySuccess

Registration is now open for the 2024 ACT Workforce Summit, Oct. 2-4 in Atlanta. Join other professionals from the ACT Work Ready Communities ecosystem, including state and local workforce developers, talent-focused economic developers, workforce leaders, and educators spanning all levels, to connect and learn about the latest trends and strategies in talent and workforce development. This year’s focus is on creating credentialed career pathways, with other topics including: - Connecting and convening talent development networks. - Engaging employers with workforce ecosystems. - Creating “skills-first” ecosystems that value diverse backgrounds. - Creating career pathways with stackable and impactful credentials. - Leading-edge workforce development techniques. - Best practices using ACT WorkKeys or ACT Work Ready Community solutions. - Innovative services and support for workers in transition. To learn more about the Summit or to register, visit https://bit.ly/4cmRWCf. #Workforce #WorkforceDevelopment #Educators #CareerReadiness #WorkplaceSuccess

Leaders from Ocean View High School, in Huntington Beach, California, are celebrating another year of college application success after they were recognized by ACT’s American College Application Campaign as one of 27 School of Excellence awardees. Dr. Denise Harshman, ACAC state coordinator for California and coordinator of Advanced Learning at the Orange County Department of Education, says the school’s success is due in part to an unwavering commitment to the campaign. “The College Application Campaign would not thrive in Orange County without the dedication, vision, and execution of Ocean View High School from the very beginning,” Harshman said, “not only taking on a new endeavor but making it an integral part of the school culture and community.” Read more about Ocean View’s success and how students engaged in the application process and their college-going journeys: https://bit.ly/3wVYh8m #StudentSuccess