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Get an overview of the ACT State Test for 2020. Learn about test window dates, accommodations, and how to contact relevant personnel. Discover how to apply for accommodations and manage participation in the PearsonAccess Next system.
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The ACT State Test ACT Overview with Iris Owens
CONTACTS You may receive emails about the ACT from the following: • State Testing statetesting@act.org • ACT Accommodations actaccom@act.org • Iris Owens iris.a.owens@act.org or iris.owens@nebraska.gov • The Nebraska Department of Education Statewide Assessment, DAC updates DACs or Test Coordinators contact for questions: • Iris Owens Iris.A.Owens@act.org or 402-471-4316 • Customer Support 800-553-6244 ext 2800 (7 am – 5 pm CST, Mon – Fri) • ACT Accommodations actaccom@act.org 800.553.6244 ext. 1788 (7 am – 5 pm CST, Mon – Fri)
ACT Accommodations • Accommodations are available for any student with an IEP, 504 plan, or EL Supports. These are requested on the Test Accessibility and Accommodations System (TAA). • Dates to apply- November 2019 to February 2020 (TBD). • Apply for Accommodations as early as possible, before the end of the first semester. • Accommodations analysts are looking for information on what happens in the classroom. • Provide the IEP or 504 plan as well as the Teacher survey. For EL students, a letter with the school’s Letterhead and all supports normally provided. You may include other materials the staff believes will give a complete picture of the students’ needs. • Changes in Test Coordinators for the TAA System- contact Iris or call the Accommodations Department for assistance.
PearsonAccessnext • Managing the PearsonAccessnext(PA Next) system. • Schedule of Events will be available in September on the ACT-Nebraska webpage- download or print for frequent reviews. • Manage Participation in PA Next deadline in February (TBD). • Reports are now available to download from PA Next, reports will not available after Mid-October. • If you need access to the PA Next system, please contact Iris.
Online Testing • Used for standard students or as a makeup option, most students with accommodations are able to test online. • Read the Test Administration Manual and Technical Manual. • Proctor Caching is not mandatory, but strongly recommended, especially if more than a few students are testing. • Setup with the Mock Administration and Browser Lockdown are essential to the success on the Online Test. • All Online Accommodations must be requested in TAA 800.553.6244 x 1788.
ACT Online Prep and PreACTOptions 2019-2020 Once again, district superintendents were provided a survey to choose one of the options NDE purchased for their district. If you do not know what your district chose, please contact Iris. • Option 1- ACT Online Prep (AOP), each third year cohort student will have AOP available to them for 365 days from initial log-in. • Option 2- PreACT Test, each district could choose from a fall test window for third-year cohort (most juniors) or second-year cohort (most sophomores) or a spring test window for the second-year cohort (most sophomores) only.
ACT Online Prep (AOP) • Opening to TBD, Mid October 2019 • Need additional licenses- contact Iris • Once student logs in, access is for 365 days • AOP provides 2 full length practice tests and 2 writing prompts that are AI scored, with four additional sample questions for each section and 3,000 practice questions. • New Changes include: Updated Course Organization, New Study Schedule, Test tips, Navigation Menu, In-App Support, Course Selection.
Test dates for the PreACT • Fall test window is October 1- November 27, 2019. ACT will provide an email with Schedule of Events including instructions on ordering and deadlines in early September. • Spring test window is March 2– April 24, 2020. ACT will provide an email with Schedule of Events including instructions on ordering and deadlines in early January. For assistance with the PreACT, please call 877.789.2925 or email customer service at preact@act.org. You may also contact Iris for more information. Iris.a.owens@act.org 402.471.4316