Dear Parent/Guardian,

Please read about this opportunity from the Arkansas Department of Education Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (ADE: DESE).

Opportunity to Take the ACT^® Test for Free

The ADE: DESE is paying for students enrolled in an Arkansas public school in grade 11 during the testing window to take the ACT^® test at school, during the school day, on March 1, 2022, to assist students as they prepare for their future after high school. There is no cost to you for this administration.

Benefits of Taking the ACT

The ACT includes multiple-choice tests in English, mathematics, reading, and science. It measures what is learned in high school and will provide a gauge of academic readiness for college classes. Additionally, the results may be used when exploring college majors, careers, and life goals.

Completing Non-Test Information

Students will receive a Taking the ACT booklet from their high school, which includes a checklist for taking the ACT, information about sending and receiving scores, testing rules, and policies, and non-test questions. Students are required to provide identifying information—name (first, last, middle initial), date of birth, and mailing address—for ACT to generate and deliver score reports. Questions about college and career interests are optional and include high school course/grade information, a Student Profile Section, and an Interest Inventory section. Refer to the Taking the ACT if you would like to see what is asked.

Because examinees designate third-party recipients of their scores during the non-test session, students who are not eligible students as defined by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) must have express parental consent to participate.  When a student turns 18 years old or enters a postsecondary institution at any age, the rights under FERPA transfer from the parents to the student (“eligible student”).  Parents/guardians should contact the local school district for the appropriate consent to release or refusal form.