ACT STEM Research

As a nonprofit educational research organization, ACT is committed to producing research that focuses on key issues in education and workforce development. Our goal is to serve as a data resource. We strive to provide policymakers with the information they need to inform education and workforce development policy and to give educators the tools they need to lead more students toward college and career success. What follows are some of ACT’s recent and most groundbreaking research studies related to STEM.

ACT National Curriculum Survey®

The ACT National Curriculum Survey is a nationwide survey of educational practices and expectations. Conducted every three to five years by ACT, the survey collects data about what entering college students should know and be able to do to be ready for college-level coursework in English, math, reading, and science.

POLICY SUMMARY (PDF; 18 pages)
SCIENCE (PDF; 20 pages)
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS (PDF; 16 pages)
MATHEMATICS (PDF; 24 pages)

ACT STEM Research
The Condition of Future Educators

Data from past ACT Condition of STEM reports have shown there are few students interested in math or science education as a profession. This report provides current educators and policymakers a glimpse inside the pipeline of future educators.

DOWNLOAD REPORT (PDF; 18 pages)

The Condition of College & Career Readiness 2015

Using ACT scores and the ACT College Readiness Benchmarks, The Condition of College & Career Readiness 2015 provides data highlighting the college and career readiness of the ACT-tested high school class of 2015. This report is updated annually.

DOWNLOAD REPORT (PDF; 20 pages)

Broadening the Definition of College and Career Readiness: A Holistic Approach

The College Choice Report provides enrollment managers and other college administrators with information about student patterns during the college choice process of the 2013 high school graduates who took the ACT. The focus of this year’s report is students’ selection of a college major or program of study.

DOWLOAD REPORT (PDF; 44 pages)

Understanding the Underserved Learner—The Condition of STEM 2014

In developing Understanding the Underserved Learner—The Condition of STEM 2014, ACT's goal was to further advance STEM readiness and to honor its commitments to engaging underserved learners in pursuit of their college and career goals. Identifying these students and determining their readiness in math and science could provide them with more opportunities to successfully enter STEM careers and help address the national deficit of skilled STEM workers.

DOWLOAD REPORT (PDF; 28 pages)