The ACT is a test that has value at a student, administrative, and state level, but there is uncertainty about its future use in Illinois.

Students do see the test as an important benchmark to measure their academic growth.

“It helps prove the student’s academic improvement throughout his high school career,” said Cindy Aguilera Navarro (’17).

The test can produce stress and anxiety for students, but the truth is teachers and administrators throughout a student’s high school career prepare them since the day they begin school.

There are discussions in the Illinois Congress about changing the statewide exam from the ACT to the SAT. However, these exams are very different.

“The SAT and ACT differ by a lot and it’s important that high schools know, so that they can familiarize their students with the test,” said Dave Calisch, English department.

There has yet to be a resolution to the issue, which is not just a state issue.

“The ACT is a test that is given nationwide due to the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), so it makes a huge impact on the school and the state,” Calisch said.

The test serves a dual purpose. It is meant to give a benchmark on how a state is performing as a whole but also serves as a college admissions exam. The states look at it more from a federal perspective as they have to comply with NCLB in the most efficient way possible.

While many colleges in the state of Illinois do require that applicants have taken the ACT, this is a requirement that could be changing, said Michael Murphy, students services department.

“The list of colleges/universities that are test optional are becoming larger and larger each year,” Murphy said.

The issue of standardized testing is a complex one. It involves various perspectives, which may make finding the right solution a tough task.