With the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), states and school districts have a historic opportunity to fortify their economic foundations during these uncertain times and introduce a wide array of education improvement efforts.
ARRA Resources
A comprehensive informational resource to assist education leaders to better understand the ARRA; highlight selected funding opportunities that will bring about educational improvement; and identify opportunities to establish or extend a partnership with ACT as we work together to increase the college and career readiness of students nationwide.
- Making Readiness a Reality: Promoting Student Success through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (PDF; 12 pages, 565KB)
- A Guide to Aligning ARRA Priorities with ACT Resources (PDF; 1 page, 24KB)
Frequently asked questions regarding specific categories of ARRA funding:
- Overview of ARRA State Grants: $46.8 Billion (PDF; 1 page, 208KB)
- Overview of ARRA State Incentive Grants: $4.3 Billion (PDF; 1 page, 193KB)
- Overview of ARRA Innovation Fund: $650 Million (PDF; 1 page, 166KB)
- Overview of ARRA Title I, School Improvement Grants: $3 Billion (PDF; 1 page, 227KB)
- Overview of ARRA Title I, Part A Recovery Funds: $10 Billion (PDF; 1 page, 175KB)
- Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Title I Funding for Districts (PDF; 2 pages, 175KB)
To learn more about ARRA education funding opportunities including updated application guidance, estimated state and district funding amounts, and other information, visit www.ed.gov
ACT Resources
ACT State Policy Framework
ACT's "Making the Dream a Reality" report outlines six action steps based on hard evidence that will help increase student achievement, close achievement gaps, and ensure that every high school graduate is prepared for college and career.
ACT College Readiness Standards
Drawing on our unique data set mapping student performance in K-12 and postsecondary education, we have developed learning standards that are directly aligned to the skills necessary to succeed in college and career.
For many states, ACT has completed a comparative analysis highlighting differences and similarities between current state standards and College Readiness Standards.
ACT High School Profile Reports
The High School Profile Report provides each state with information about the performance of 2008 graduating seniors who took the ACT. The report shares critical information on performance, access, course selection, course rigor, college readiness, awareness, and articulation.
ACT Case Studies
The case studies present accounts of school improvement efforts in a real-world context. Topics examined include the implementation of academic interventions, the integration of College Readiness Standards, and characteristics of high-performing schools.
Contact us to discuss how to leverage ACT research in your ARRA strategy or to learn more about ACT solutions and services.