ACT Aspire

From grades 3 through 10, ACT ® Aspire ® offers a unique, connected approach to measuring student progress. The system is anchored by the ACT ® test for students in grades 11 and 12 and provides empirically based readiness benchmarks at every grade.

Assessment Overview

The ACT Aspire Assessment System® is a vertically scaled, standards-based system of assessments that monitors student growth and progress toward college and career readiness.

We offer a system of annual vertically articulated, standards-based Summative Assessments linked to ACT College Readiness Benchmarks and other sets of state standards.

Our Interim Assessments provide fast, convenient, and accurate measurement. They can be implemented at intervals leading up to the ACT Aspire Summative Assessments.

Our Classroom Assessments are designed for flexible implementation between their Interim counterparts. Each assessment provides guiding insights to student progress.

A Comprehensive System with Two Major Components: Summative and Periodic Assessment

• Components that may be used independently or together with
• Data that educators can use to build effective learning programs focused on college and career readiness.

Six Good Reasons to Implement ACT Aspire

1. The only system of assessments directly connected to the most used college entrance exam, the ACT test
2. The 1st longitudinal assessment to fully connect student performance with readiness benchmarks
3. Accurately predicts students' future scores on the ACT
4. Gives educators greater visibility into specific areas of academic risk
5. Delivers evidence-based results
6. Periodic assessments that lead to early interventions

ACT Aspire Fast Facts

• Vertically articulated, standards-based system of summative, interim, and classroom assessments
• Linked to ACT College Readiness Benchmarks and aligned with the Common Core State Standards
• Anchored by the capstone college readiness assessment, the ACT
• Multiple question types: constructed response, selected response, and technology-enhanced
• Subject areas: English, math, reading, science, and writing for grades 3–8 and early high school (grades 9–10)
• Modular administration of subjects and grades available
• Online delivery of assessments with traditional paper-and-pencil option

Together, We Can Make Students Unstoppable

See how educators are using ACT Aspire track and improve student readiness for college and career.

Related Research

College Readiness Benchmarks (PDF)
Includes ACT Aspire Interim and Summative

Get Started with ACT Aspire

How to Order

We encourage you to learn more about the value of delivering ACT Aspire assessments by completing our information request form. Upon completing the request, an ACT representative will reach out to you to discuss the program.

Costs

With both summative and periodic assessments available, ACT Aspire can be administered in a number of ways to meet the needs of your students. Special “bundled” pricing is available when the summative and periodic assessments are purchased together. For detailed pricing information and to discuss your testing plan with an ACT Account Manager, call 855.434.6010 or complete the form here.

Assessment Delivery

Two test windows are available for ACT Aspire summative testing each year: One window in the fall and one window in the spring. The ACT Aspire summative assessment is a computer-delivered test. However, it can be delivered via paper-and-pencil testing for an additional fee. The periodic assessments are CBT only.