The landscape of standardized testing in Illinois high schools is set to change as the state gears up to shift from the SAT to the ACT for its state assessments. This transition, as laid out by the Illinois State Board of Education, will affect students beginning with the examinations scheduled for spring 2025.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the motivation behind the switch is multifaceted. While the SAT has been the test of choice since spring 2017, the expiry of the state's contract with the College Board, which administers the SAT, opened the doors for a reevaluation. Subsequently, the State Board opted for a $53 million contract over six years with the ACT, which incorporated a science assessment—something the SAT did not offer.
Both the SAT and ACT are widely recognized for evaluating student readiness in English language arts and math and are often considered by colleges for admission and scholarships. However, it has been noted that an increasing number of colleges have moved away from these tests as an admission requirement. This cultural shift coalesces with the 2021 Higher Education Fair Admissions Act, which necessitates public universities and community colleges in Illinois to instate "test-optional" policies for admissions, as reported by the Daily Herald.
The inclusion of ACT's science component effectively streamlines the testing process for students by eliminating the need for a separate Illinois Science Assessment. This change represents a strategic move to reduce overall testing time for students, as clarified by the Illinois State Board of Education's FAQ document. Conversely, students with aspirations to submit SAT scores must take the initiative to do so independently, with the state no longer financing these assessments.
As a result of these forthcoming changes, school districts across Illinois will need to make adjustments in preparation for the new testing regime. This includes deciding whether to facilitate SAT or PSAT testing during the school day, though without the financial backing of the state for these particular exams. With the first administration of the new state assessment set for spring 2025, schools, students, and parents alike are looking ahead to adapt to this revised educational measure.
