Have ACT Scores Declined During the COVID-19 Pandemic? An Examination of School-Day Testing Data

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 3
  In Poster Session: Poster Session 2 (San Diego)

Abstract

For schools that administered the ACT test during the COVID-19 pandemic, lower scores were observed compared to those before the pandemic. Scores decreased by 0.72 points (0.10 standard deviations) in English, 0.63 points (0.11 standard deviations) in math, 0.63 points (0.09 standard deviations) in reading, and 0.58 points (0.11 standard deviations) in science. Score declines were less severe for students who are Asian and traditionally underserved groups, including African American and low-income students. Score declines were more severe for students who earned higher grades in high school courses.

Author

• Jeff M. Allen, ACT, Inc.