Jefferson Parish Schools uses nationally recognized assessments to measure a student’s readiness for a career and college. These include the ACT, SAT and ACT WorkKeys. Students should begin planning and preparing to take these exams early in high school with a goal of taking the test at least once in eleventh grade. That way, the student has ample opportunity to retest and improve his/her score before graduation.
Should I take the ACT, SAT or ACT WorkKeys?
The state of Louisiana mandates the ACT for all eleventh grade students, meaning the test is paid for and administered by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Results from both the ACT and ACT WorkKeys are used to measure school performance statewide.
The ACT and SAT measure a student’s college readiness and cover generally the same topics. Both the ACT and SAT are accepted by all four-year colleges and universities including all Ivy League schools. Some students find that they do better on one than the other, so it may be advisable to take a practice test for both and compare your scores.
The ACT WorkKeys is a supplemental assessment to the ACT and measures the foundational skills required for success in the workplace. It can be used as a resume builder and to obtain additional scholarship money through TOPS Tech.
*Click the link above for ACT information, upcoming test dates, registration and test prep.
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* Visit the link above for SAT and PSAT information, upcoming test dates, registration and practice tests.
Students having difficulty paying for the ACT, can apply for the ACT Fee Waiver program. The free waiver program covers the cost of taking the ACT up to four times and free learning resources. To be eligible, the student must be enrolled in 11th or 12th grade and also meet one of the following criteria:
- Enrolled in a federal free or reduced-price lunch program.
- Enrolled in a program for the economically disadvantaged (for example, a federally funded program such as GEAR UP or Upward Bound).
- Resides in a foster home, is a ward of the state, or is homeless.
- Family receives low-income public assistance or lives in federally subsidized public housing.
