Forgive high school juniors if they're a little cranky this morning. Today is a major test day across the state and it's the first time juniors will be required to take the ACT. It's usually a test used by college admissions counselors to determine academic aptitude. But starting next year, the state Department of Public Instruction will use it to track student readiness for post-secondary education.
The ACT is one of two major college aptitude tests. Historically, more students in North Carolina have taken the SAT.
State education leaders chose the ACT because it is seen as a more accurate test of what a student has learned. The new test requirement is part of the state's Race to the Top program.
