Illinois Switches from SAT® to ACT®: Why Assessing Science in High School Matters
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has recently announced a significant shift in its standardized testing policy for high school students.
Starting from the 2024-25 school year, Illinois will transition from the SAT® to the ACT® as the state-mandated assessment for high school juniors. This move marks a pivotal change in how student achievement and district performance are measured across the state.
Here's what you need to know about this decision, why it was made, and the growing significance of science assessments in today's educational landscape, along with how recent changes to the ACT® will impact students and educators.
Why Illinois is Making the Switch
The primary reason for Illinois's switch from the SAT® to the ACT® is the inclusion of the science component in the ACT®, which the SAT® lacks. The ACT® science section aligns better with Illinois's educational goals, especially in the context of the state's commitment to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.
The ACT®'s comprehensive assessment includes English, math, reading, science, and writing. By adopting the ACT®, Illinois aims to provide a more holistic evaluation of student knowledge and skills, particularly in scientific disciplines. Additionally, switching to the ACT® eliminates the need for a separate science assessment for 11th graders, reducing overall testing time and administrative burden.
Recent Changes to the ACT®
As we touched on in last week’s post, ACT recently announced significant changes to the test, set to begin rolling out in spring 2025 for national online testing and spring 2026 for school-day testing. These changes offer greater choice and flexibility for students, impacting how they prepare for the ACT®.
One notable change is the option for students to choose whether to take the science section of the ACT®. The core sections—English, reading, and math—will contribute to the Composite score, while science and writing will be optional. Students can choose from four options:
ACT®
ACT® plus science
ACT® plus writing
ACT® plus science and writing
This flexibility allows students to tailor their testing experience to their strengths.
The ACT® will also shorten its duration by up to one-third, reducing the test to 2 hours by including shorter passages in the reading and English sections and decreasing the total number of questions by 44.
For further details on this major change, see Big Changes to the ACT®: What We Know So Far.
What This Means for Illinois Students
For Illinois high school students, this switch means they will be taking the ACT® instead of the SAT® starting in the 2024-25 school year.
The ACT®’s inclusion of a science section will allow students to showcase their knowledge and skills in this critical academic area, which is increasingly important in today’s job market.
The transition will also align Illinois with other states that have already adopted the ACT® as their standard assessment tool.
The Value of Science in STEM Education, Academic Standards, and Career Success
Science is a cornerstone of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, and its significance extends beyond the classroom.
Here’s why science is crucial for current educational standards, higher education, and preparing students for careers in science and technology:
Foundation of STEM Education:
Interdisciplinary Learning: Science is inherently interdisciplinary, integrating concepts from math, technology, and engineering. This interconnectedness fosters an extensive understanding of complex problems and promotes innovative thinking.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Science education emphasizes critical thinking, hypothesis testing, and evidence-based reasoning. These skills are essential for tackling real-world problems and are highly valued in all STEM fields.
Hands-On Learning: Scientific inquiry often involves hands-on experiments and projects, fully engaging students and enhancing their learning experience. This practical approach helps students retain knowledge better and develop a strong passion for discovery.
Alignment with Current Educational Standards:
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS): 26 states currently use these science standards to better focus on deep understanding and application of scientific concepts. NGSS aims to prepare students for college and careers by promoting scientific literacy and competency.
Comprehensive Skill Development: Science education aligns with educational standards that emphasize not just content knowledge, but also essential skills such as data analysis, critical thinking, and effective communication. These skills are crucial for academic success across all subject areas.
Test Prep: Standardized assessments, like the ACT®'s science section, evaluate students' ability to interpret and analyze scientific data. Mastery of science ensures students are well-prepared for these evaluations, which are key indicators of academic achievement.
Pathway to Higher Education:
College Readiness: Many colleges and universities require a strong background in science to be admitted into various programs.
Research Opportunities: Science education opens doors to research opportunities in higher education. Engaging in research helps students develop a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and methodologies, which is essential for academic and professional growth.
Scholarships and Grants: Students excelling in science are often eligible for STEM and science-focused scholarships and grants.
Career Success in High-Paying, Fast-Growing Fields:
High Demand for STEM Professionals: The demand for professionals in STEM fields is growing expeditiously. Careers in technology, engineering, and science are among the fastest-growing sectors, with many offering lucrative salaries and opportunities for advancement.
Versatility and Adaptability: A solid foundation in science equips students with versatile skills that are applicable in various industries. This adaptability is crucial in a rapidly changing job market, ensuring long-term career stability and growth.
Science is integral to STEM education, aligning with current academic standards, and prepping students for higher education and successful careers. Its emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and hands-on learning equips students with the skills needed to excel in a competitive, technology-driven world.
By prioritizing science education, students are not only better equipped for academic challenges but also poised to thrive in the burgeoning fields of science and technology.
The Growing Importance of Science Assessments
In today’s rapidly evolving world, science and technology are at the forefront of economic development and innovation. Careers in STEM fields are among the fastest-growing and highest-paying, making scientific literacy and competence more critical than ever.
By emphasizing science assessments, Illinois is not only preparing students for higher education but also equipping them with the skills needed for future career success.
The ACT®’s science component is designed to measure students' ability to interpret, analyze, and evaluate scientific information, which are essential skills in a wide range of careers. This aligns with Illinois’s broader educational objectives to foster a well-rounded education that includes strong science and math foundations.
Key Takeaways:
Transition to ACT: Illinois will switch from the SAT® to the ACT® as the state-mandated assessment for high school juniors starting in the 2024-25 school year.
Reason for Switch: The primary reason is the inclusion of a science component in the ACT®, which aligns better with Illinois’s educational goals and commitment to STEM education.
Holistic Assessment: The ACT® provides a more comprehensive evaluation of student knowledge and skills across English, math, reading, science, and writing.
Alignment with Other States: The transition brings Illinois in line with other states that have adopted the ACT® as their standard assessment tool.
Importance of Science in STEM: Science is crucial for interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and hands-on education, which are essential for tackling real-world problems and promoting innovative thinking.
Educational Standards: Science education aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and emphasizes skills like data analysis, critical thinking, and effective communication.
College Readiness and Opportunities: A strong background in science is often required for college admissions, research opportunities, and eligibility for STEM-focused scholarships and grants.
Career Success: Careers in STEM fields are rapidly growing and offer high salaries. A solid foundation in science provides versatile skills that ensure career stability and growth.
Economic and Technological Advancement: Scientific literacy and competence are critical for economic development and innovation, making science assessments increasingly important.
Broader Educational Objectives: The ACT®’s science component helps measure essential skills needed for a wide range of careers, aligning with Illinois’s goal to foster a well-rounded education.
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