ACT Testing Resources
Use the proctor checklist and proctor instructions to administer the test. You can download the checklist and instructions for testing with paper Scantrons here:
If you are using Cambridge’s Online Answer Form instead of paper Scantrons, use the proctor checklist and instructions provided on that site (data.cambridgeed.com).
Pre-Testing and Course Planning
Why Pre-Test?
Pre-testing is critical for both you and your students. First, pre-testing gives your students a real testing experience and a benchmark to help them set personal score goals. We know that testing may look different this year with some students testing in-person and others testing online. We are here to help you in any situation. Second, pre-testing helps you plan your course. You can use pre-test data to identify student strengths and weaknesses, adjust your lesson plans, and track your students’ progress throughout the course. And with Cambridge’s pre-testing reports, much of this work is already done for you. Cambridge breaks down the test items and gives you item-level and test-level data about your class, and Cambridge provides customized lesson plans based on your classroom data. We know pre-testing requires a time commitment, but it is key to making your program a success.
How to Pre-Test
Pre-Testing should be completed in four steps:
- Step 1: Prepare for Test Day
- Step 2: Administer the Test
- Step 3: Submit Your Answer Forms
- Step 4: Review Your Reports
Cambridge offers several testing options for both in-person (paper and pencil) and virtual learning. These include:
- Paper test booklets
- Paper answer forms
- Paper test booklets and online answer forms
- Completely online testing
Cambridge also supports several proctoring situations to fit your needs. We can help you administer tests in:
- A classroom
- A group remotely
- An independent remote situation
Regardless of how you’re testing this year, you’ll need to prepare for pre-testing. Download and print a copy of this DOCchecklist and then review the information on the following pages to be sure you have what you need to administer your pre-test in any of the situations described above.
| Task | Completed |
|---|---|
| Know what materials/program you purchased* | |
| Know how the test will be proctored | |
| Collect all documents | |
| Prepare and distribute your materials | |
| Schedule the pre-test | |
| Administer the pre-test | |
| Review the data using Cambridge reports |
*If you are a Program Administrator, you are responsible for ordering the materials and communicating all pre-testing details to your staff. If you still need to order or if you have questions about pre-testing, contact Cambridge at (847) 299-2930.
1Prepare For Test Day
The goal of pre-testing is to collect accurate data. In order to gather accurate data you need to (1) simulate the testing experience as closely as possible and (2) communicate your data needs to Cambridge for timely data processing.
Simulate the Testing Experience
First, you need to simulate the testing experience as closely as possible. Schedule the pre-test, gather your materials, and prepare your students.
Schedule the Pre-Test
It is absolutely necessary that students take the test under actual testing conditions. An important aspect of these conditions is to administer the test in one, unbroken session. If your test prep sessions are normally scheduled for less than the required time it takes to administer the exam, arrange to hold a special long session during the day, after school, or on a Saturday. Allow at least three hours and 25 minutes (add 10–20 minutes for one break and administrative functions).
If students are working remotely, consider whether you would like them to take the test on their own or if they will all take the test at the same time. You can open the testing window and tell them when it will close (i.e., you have until next Friday to take the test) or you can have all the students log on at the same time and proctor the test while they work remotely. If your students complete the test on their own, have them set aside three and a half hours to test so that they can complete the test in one sitting as explained above.
Gather Your Materials
Be sure that you are familiar with the Proctor Checklist and Proctor Instructions (available in Step 2) and that you have collected and reviewed all the testing materials listed in the Proctor Checklist.
The proctor information is available for each proctoring situation (paper or online materials, in person or remote proctoring) so be sure to use the instructions that apply to your pre-testing implementation.
If you are using printed test booklets, look at the ScantronTM Information Form (included with your materials) to determine which of the tests students should take as a pre-test. It is absolutely necessary that students take the correct test as a pre-test because some teacher’s guide lessons draw from particular form codes to reinforce concepts. Do NOT administer the same test as both a pre- and post-test.
If you are self-scoring your tests, either have your students write their answers on a separate sheet of paper or contact a Cambridge rep to order blank Scantron forms. You will also need lined paper to distribute when students respond to the essay prompt.
A Note about the Pre-Test
Cambridge uses retired tests from the testing companies that produce the test. Using these retired tests ensures that your students have a testing experience that prepares them for test day and gives you data so you can have confidence in measuring your students’ skills. They also provide good information for a pre- and post-test analysis.
Also, Cambridge test writers create tests for pre- and post-test use when retired tests are not available (i.e. online administration and PreACT testing). We make sure our tests are designed to accurately reflect the difficulty and range of topics that students see on the real test. Our test writers are experts in the field, and they closely assess each item’s design to make sure that they are as accurate as possible.
Prepare Your Students
Notify students ahead of time to bring several No. 2 pencils (online students can use any writing utensil), an acceptable calculator, and a watch to pace themselves while testing (optional). An acceptable calculator is defined as a four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator. Although it is possible to solve every item on the ACT test without a calculator, it is recommended that students use a calculator at least at the scientific level. For more information on permitted calculators, see https://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/ACT-calculator-policy.pdf.
Communicate Your Data Needs
Before you pre-test, go to https://prepmydata.cambridgeed.com to verify your testing details and finalize your reports (including requesting custom lesson plans). You will log in using your location code and location email address. If you do not know your location code or the email address associated with your account, call (847) 299-2930. PrepMyData helps you confirm that you are ready for testing and that you will receive timely reports.
Pre-Slugging
Cambridge offers a pre-slugging service (we fill in your students’ names, IDs, etc.). We recommend this service because:
- The sheets will be returned to the school with the student information already filled in, which saves time on the testing day and reduces the chance of errors.
- By providing additional information about the students’ class, teacher, homeroom, etc. Cambridge can create specialized data reports. For example, we can create an Instructor Summary and Error Analysis for Ms. Anderson’s 3rd period Algebra II class.
- If the school is using a pre- and post-test evaluation of student learning, pre-printing ScantronTM answer sheets is the best way to ensure that students are correctly matched.
You can download and then submit a pre-slugging file in the PrepMyData form. You MUST complete the PrepMyData form at least three weeks before testing in order to receive pre-slugged Scantrons.
2Administer the Test
Use the proctor checklist and proctor instructions to administer the test. You can download the checklist and instructions for testing with paper ScantronsTM here:
If you are using Cambridge’s Online Answer Form instead of paper Scantrons, use the proctor checklist and instructions provided on that site (data.cambridgeed.com).
3Submit Your Answer Forms
If you are using Cambridge’s Online Answer Form, you will verify that student answers have been submitted on that site (data.cambridgeed.com).
If you are using print ScantronsTM, you will need the following materials to return your Scantrons for grading:
- PDFScantron™ Information Form
- Envelope and label provided by Cambridge
Before you mail in your Scantrons, make copies. Then fill out the Scantron™ Information Form. Cambridge uses this form to match your Scantrons to your responses on the PrepMyData form in order to process your data right away. Place the Scantron™ Information Form and your Scantrons in the provided envelope and affix the provided label. Then drop off the envelope at the nearest mailing center.NOTE: Before sending in paper answer sheets for scoring, check to be sure students filled out their sheet in pencil. Any pen or light pencil marks can be marked over with a pencil. It is essential not to penalize students who did not understand the importance of using dark pencil marks. If answer sheets are not scannable, the school will be contacted to determine the best way forward.
4Review Your Reports
You will receive your students’ reports within six business days after we receive them. They can be delivered in four different ways:
- Electronic student reports sent through email to the school within 6 days of receipt.
- Electronic student reports expedited and sent to the school within 2 days of receipt.
- Printed paper student reports expedited and shipped directly to the school within 3 days of receipt.
- Printed paper student reports shipped directly to the school within 6 days of receipt.
If you used Cambridge’s online answer form, you will receive some of your reports immediately.Cambridge’s several data packages are outlined below.After you receive your reports, distribute the student reports to your students and review the teacher reports to identify your students’ strengths and weaknesses. If you would like to send a letter home to parents attached to their student’s reports, contact Cambridge Support staff at 847-299-2930.
For more information on how to read your reports, click PDFHERE.
In addition to reports, you should have also received custom lesson plans and a Cambridge Navigator packet. Your custom lesson plans are based on your course length and your students’ pre-test scores. They provide a breakdown of the content you should cover in each hour of class. Click on the link below to download your Navigator packet.
Navigator Packets
The Navigator includes an answer key and explanations for each item on your pre-test. Review the tests with your students as soon after administration as possible. Use the Navigator to discuss items your students found challenging. Download the Navigator for your pre-test form code from the list below.
Practice Testing
Why You Should Assign Practice Tests
Students who complete four practice tests typically show 30 percent more score improvement than those students who do not complete any practice tests. Students achieve this level of improvement because practice tests:
- reinforce test content;
- help students become more comfortable with time restrictions and pacing;
- reduce test anxiety through test familiarity; and
- give students the chance to practice alternative test-taking strategies.
The practice tests are included in your students’ material. Their book also includes an answer key (and most programs include test explanations) in an appendix. Most practice tests are NOT reprinted in your teacher’s guide.
How to Use the Practice Tests
Depending on your course format, you may work through parts of the practice tests in class or assign them as homework. You should only assign the items that correspond to the subject area that you are teaching at that time. Assign the appropriate sections with time restrictions.
Another way to utilize the practice tests is to break them into smaller sections based on the content of the items. Using the practice tests as an “item bank” allows you to certify student improvement in a particular area and make sure that students are on the right track. You can do these exercises either in class or as homework and either timed or untimed. A mix of untimed and timed items is most helpful for students because it allows them to first practice these concepts at their own pace and then practice at the pace required for the real test.
Preparing to Teach with a Practice Test
Before you assign your first practice test, be sure that you know:
• how much time you have to administer and review the practice tests, and
• which concepts will be the most challenging for your students.
Review your lessons, notes, and progress reports up to this point in the course so that you are prepared to review the test mechanics, concepts, and strategies that are challenging for your students at a more comprehensive level.
If you think your students would benefit from reduced pressure while completing the first practice test, assign your first test without time restrictions. By taking this approach, you allow your students to gradually develop their test-taking skills. By then assigning a practice test with time restrictions, you push students to pace themselves as they would on the actual test, helping to reduce their anxiety about time constraints.
Unlike the material presented in the lessons, the practice tests are intended to be an extended exercise. Therefore, when using the practice tests as material in class, do not cover one item at a time. Rather, work through an entire test section so that your students become more familiar with the structure of the complete test. When reviewing practice test material, allow for at least the same amount of time that it would take to administer a complete test or test section.
Scoring the Practice Tests
Cambridge offers scoring for certain practice tests. If you wish to submit ScantronsTM for scoring, call your Cambridge customer service representative (847-299-2930).
If you would like to score the tests yourself, use the answer key provided in your student text appendix. The appendix does not include a scoring guide, but you can compare your students’ raw scores (number correct in each section) to their pre-tests.
Post-Testing and Feedback
Why Post-Test?
The post-test reflects what has already been accomplished with the pre-test by continuing to measure the true impact of the Cambridge course. Students are given the opportunity to apply everything that they have learned up to this point. The post-test enables a pre- and post-test comparison that measures both student and teacher progress. Teachers and administrators use this valuable pre- and post-test comparison data to fine-tune existing instruction, help students formulate personal action plans, and plan changes to the program to allow for even greater growth.
How to Post-Test
Post-Testing should be completed in four steps:
- Step 1: Prepare for Test Day
- Step 2: Administer the Test
- Step 3: Submit Your Answer Forms
- Step 4: Review Your Reports
Cambridge offers several testing options for both in-person (paper and pencil) and virtual learning. These include:
- Paper test booklets
- Paper answer forms
- Paper test booklets and online answer forms
- Completely online testing
Cambridge also supports several proctoring situations to fit your needs. We can help you administer tests in:
- A classroom
- A group remotely
- An independent remote situation
Regardless of how you’re testing thisPDF year, you’ll need to prepare for post-testing. Download and print a copy of this PDFchecklist and then review the information on the following pages to be sure you have what you need to administer your post-test in any of the situations described above.
| Task | Completed |
|---|---|
| Know what materials/program you purchased* | |
| Know how the test will be proctored | |
| Collect all documents | |
| Prepare and distribute your materials | |
| Schedule the post-test | |
| Administer the post-test | |
| Submit the results | |
| Review the data using Cambridge reports |
*If you are a Program Administrator, you are responsible for ordering the materials and communicating all post-testing details to your staff. If you still need to order or if you have questions about post-testing, contact Cambridge at (847) 299-2930.
1Prepare For Test Day
The goal of post-testing is to collect accurate data. In order to gather accurate data you need to (1) simulate the testing experience as closely as possible and (2) communicate your data needs to Cambridge for timely data processing.
Simulate the Testing Experience
First, you need to simulate the testing experience as closely as possible. Schedule the post-test, gather your materials, and prepare your students.
Schedule the Post-Test
It is absolutely necessary that students take the test under actual testing conditions. An important aspect of these conditions is to administer the test in one, unbroken session. If your test prep sessions are normally scheduled for less than the required time it takes to administer the exam, arrange to hold a special long session during the day, after school, or on a Saturday. Allow at least three hours and 25 minutes (add 10–20 minutes for one break and administrative functions). If possible, schedule the post-test at the same time of day as you administered the pre-test.
If students are working remotely, consider whether you would like them to take the test on their own or if they will all take the test at the same time. You can open the testing window and tell them when it will close (i.e., you have until next Friday to take the test) or you can have all the students log on at the same time and proctor the test while they work remotely. If your students complete the test on their own, have them set aside three and a half hours to test so that they can complete the test in one sitting as explained above.
Gather Your Materials
Be sure that you are familiar with the Proctor Checklist and Proctor Instructions (available in Step 2) and that you have collected and reviewed all the testing materials listed in the Proctor Checklist.
The proctor information is available for each proctoring situation (paper or online materials, in person or remote proctoring) so be sure to use the instructions that apply to your testing implementation.
If you are using printed test booklets, look at the ScantronTM Information Form (included with your materials) to determine which of the tests students should take as a post-test. Do NOT administer the same test as both a pre- and post-test.
If you are self-scoring your tests, either have your students write their answers on a separate sheet of paper or contact a Cambridge rep to order blank Scantron forms. You will also need lined paper to distribute when students respond to the essay prompt.
A Note about the Post-Test
Cambridge uses retired tests from the testing companies that produce the test. Using these retired tests ensures that your students have a testing experience that prepares them for test day and gives you data so you can have confidence in measuring your students’ skills. They also provide good information for a pre- and post-test analysis.
Also, Cambridge test writers create tests for pre- and post-test use when retired tests are not available (i.e. online administration and PreACT testing). We make sure our tests are designed to accurately reflect the difficulty and range of topics that students see on the real test. Our test writers are experts in the field, and they closely assess each item’s design to make sure that they are as accurate as possible.
Prepare Your Students
Notify students ahead of time to bring several No. 2 pencils (online students can use any writing utensil), an acceptable calculator, and a watch to pace themselves while testing (optional). An acceptable calculator is defined as a four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator. Although it is possible to solve every item on the ACT test without a calculator, it is recommended that students use a calculator at least at the scientific level. For more information on permitted calculators, see https://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/ACT-calculator-policy.pdf.
After putting forth a great deal of effort to complete all previous coursework, student motivation may subside when the time comes to administer the post-test. They are probably not looking forward to taking another test, so it is important to remind them of the significance of the post-test. Plan something fun in order to reward them for all of their hard work and dedication.
Communicate Your Data Needs
Before you test, go to data.cambridgeed.com to verify your testing details and finalize your reports (including requesting custom lesson plans). You will log in using your location code and location email address. If you do not know your location code or the email address associated with your account, call (847) 299-2930. PrepMyData helps you confirm that you are ready for testing and that you will receive timely reports.
Cambridge offers a pre-slugging service (we fill in your students’ names, IDs, etc.). We recommend this service because:
- The sheets will be returned to the school with the student information already filled in, which saves time on the testing day and reduces the chance of errors.
- By providing additional information about the students’ class, teacher, homeroom, etc. Cambridge can create specialized data reports. For example, we can create an Instructor Summary and Error Analysis for Ms. Anderson’s 3rd period Algebra II class.
- If the school is using a pre- and post-test evaluation of student learning, pre-printing ScantronTM answer sheets is the best way to ensure that students are correctly matched.
You can download and then submit a pre-slugging file in the PrepMyData form. You MUST complete the PrepMyData form at least three weeks before testing in order to receive pre-slugged Scantrons.
2Administer the Test
Use the proctor checklist and proctor instructions to administer the test. You can download the checklist and instructions for testing with paper ScantronsTM here:
If you are using Cambridge’s Online Answer Form instead of paper Scantrons, use the proctor checklist and instructions provided on that site (data.cambridgeed.com).
3Submit Your Answer Forms
If you are using Cambridge’s Online Answer Form, you will verify that student answers have been submitted on that site (data.cambridgeed.com).
If you are using print ScantronsTM, you will need the following materials to return your Scantrons for grading:
- PDFScantron™ Information Form
- Envelope and label provided by Cambridge
Before you mail in your Scantrons, make copies. Then fill out the Scantron™ Information Form. Cambridge uses this form to match your Scantrons to your responses on the PrepMyData form in order to process your data right away. Place the Scantron™ Information Form and your Scantrons in the provided envelope and affix the provided label. Then drop off the envelope at the nearest mailing center.NOTE: Before sending in paper answer sheets for scoring, check to be sure students filled out their sheet in pencil. Any pen or light pencil marks can be marked over with a pencil. It is essential not to penalize students who did not understand the importance of using dark pencil marks. If answer sheets are not scannable, the school will be contacted to determine the best way forward.
4Review Your Reports
You will receive your students’ reports within six business days after we receive them. They can be delivered in four different ways:
- Electronic student reports sent through email to the school within 6 days of receipt.
- Electronic student reports expedited and sent to the school within 2 days of receipt.
- Printed paper student reports expedited and shipped directly to the school within 3 days of receipt.
- Printed paper student reports shipped directly to the school within 6 days of receipt.
If you used Cambridge’s online answer form, you will receive some of your reports immediately.Cambridge’s several data packages are outlined below.
After you receive your reports, distribute the student reports to your students and review the teacher reports to identify your students’ strengths and weaknesses. If you would like to send a letter home to parents attached to their student’s reports, contact Cambridge Support staff at 847-299-2930.
For more information on how to read your reports, click PDFHERE. Note that the post-test reports includes a pre-post instructor summary comparing your students’ performance at the beginning and the end of your course.
When you review the reports with your students, ask them to create a written study plan. They likely have some time before test day, so encourage them to do the following:
Several weeks before test day:
- Plan to review all material equally.
- As the test date approaches, devote time to any particular areas of weakness. Remember: picking a few subjects to focus on each week helps with time management.
A few days before test day:- Focus on core subjects that are the most personally challenging.
- Divide time proportionally among these subjects based on what is most personally challenging.
You can also review the reports and meet with the other teachers in your program to evaluate your success, make plans for your next session, and brainstorm ways to improve.
The Navigator includes an answer key and explanations for each item on your post-test. Review the tests with your students as soon after administration as possible. Use the Navigator to discuss items your students found challenging. Download the Navigator for your post-test form code from the list below.