LPS juniors trudged their way into school, anxiety and excitement permeated the air. Some students were looking forward to the ACT, while others were dreading it. Chairs squeaked as the juniors settled in for their inevitably long test.
The ACT was held on Tuesday, April 9, for all juniors in the Lincoln Public Schools. Luckily for juniors, LPS offers the ACT free of charge. Because of this, all juniors have the opportunity to take a test that could help land them scholarships to post-secondary institutions.
There is a lot of work and planning that goes into the administration of the ACT. LSE Educational Coordinator Austin Simpson, who does much of the planning for the ACT, explained that LPS works with all high school administrators to find a date that works universally, which the district typically recognizes through assessments and evaluations. In addition to these evaluations, administration is in constant contact with testing and assessment specialists.
“[LPS does] all [of] the fun stuff, as far as understanding the rules, regulations and policies for testing,” Simpson said. “They support us in the buildings as far as what we need to make sure registration is done and getting materials ordered.”
Because the administrators spend so much time planning and organizing for their students, juniors are able to more easily understand what they are getting into.
Cora Vander Woude (11) felt that she was quite well prepared for the ACT. Some tips she suggested were the John Baylor ACT practice packets, as well as practice courses when trying to prepare.
Vander Woude says she believes she will do pretty well, especially because of these practice packets. However, she is stillnot a big fan of timed tests, and says,“. . .at the same time, I don’t want to be taking the ACT for hours on end”.
Many institutions nowadays are moving away from the idea that standardized test scores are the main indicator of someone’s achievements.
While opinions veer both in negative and positive ways, it’s good to know class grades won’t be affected by the test, and choosing a career may become easier after taking the ACT.
