Utah schools prepare for record 15% increase in ACT test registrations this year

During a recent government meeting in Utah on January 17, 2025, education officials discussed critical updates regarding student testing and accommodations that will directly impact schools and students across the state.

One of the key topics was the management of user accounts for testing systems. Officials emphasized the importance of timely access to these accounts, noting that users have only seven days to activate their accounts before they become invalid. This is particularly relevant for school administrators who can create accounts for other staff members, ensuring that responsibilities are delegated effectively within schools.

The meeting also highlighted the ongoing preparations for the Utah Aspire Plus testing. Officials confirmed that there would be no significant changes to the accommodations process from the previous year, which should ease concerns for educators familiar with the system. However, they reminded attendees that accommodations must be submitted before students begin testing sessions to ensure a smooth process. The window for ordering additional materials, such as braille and large print forms, is set from February 17 to May 16, allowing schools ample time to prepare for students' needs.

Another significant point of discussion was the upcoming ACT testing. Officials reported a remarkable 15% increase in student registrations for the ACT this year, a substantial rise compared to the typical 2-3% annual growth. This surge in participation is expected to present both opportunities and challenges for schools as they prepare for the testing period.

As the meeting concluded, officials urged schools to ensure their technical preparations are in place ahead of the testing deadlines. They stressed the importance of addressing any potential bandwidth issues to avoid complications during the testing process.

Overall, the discussions from this meeting underscore the ongoing commitment of Utah's education officials to support students and schools in navigating the complexities of standardized testing, while also adapting to the growing number of students participating in these assessments.