Meeting the Shifting Targets of the ACT English & Reading Tests

Is your 25-26 ACT prep already outdated?

High school educators across Wisconsin: the clock is ticking. Beginning spring 2026, students will take the enhanced ACT, already in use nationwide. This isn't just a format change; it's a shift in what readiness really means.

The new ACT has fewer questions, adjusted timing, and (though Science is optional nationally) it remains required in Wisconsin. More importantly, the test now measures how well students apply literacy, reasoning, and writing skills in real time. Preparing for this shift isn't about more test prep. It's about teaching for transfer—building everyday instruction that leads to lasting readiness.

What's Changing and What Isn't

According to ACT's Enhanced ACT Assessment, Spring 2026:

• The test includes fewer questions, more time per item, reduced answer choices for math, and shorter reading passages.
• The Wisconsin Enhanced ACT (with writing) includes 172 questions across five subjects and takes approximately 205 minutes (excluding breaks).
• Nationally, Science and Writing may be optional, but for Wisconsin's statewide ACT, both sections remain required.
• The enhanced ACT Composite score is now calculated from English, Mathematics, and Reading, with Science and Writing reported separately; however, Wisconsin statewide testing will still include all five subject tests.
• The knowledge and skills assessed remain consistent with previous ACT versions, but the weighting of reporting categories and item design emphasize applied reasoning, synthesis, and authentic language use.

The message is clear: students need deeper reading, reasoning, and writing practice; skills that are cultivated daily, not in isolated prep sessions.

From Test Prep to Lasting Readiness

Test preparation still matters, but it is only one part of a larger picture.

Test prep builds confidence.
Students benefit from understanding the format and managing pacing, hopefully leading to less test anxiety. Two well-timed practice sessions, one early and one close to testing, are often enough.

Instruction builds competence.
True readiness develops through consistent, intentional instruction that strengthens transferable skills. When students regularly analyze text structure, craft arguments, and write with clarity and purpose, the ACT simply measures what they already know how to do.

Sustainable improvement happens when:

• Teachers model how to read like writers: analyzing craft, structure, and argument.
• Students practice writing for purpose and audience, not just correctness.
• Classrooms build background knowledge and stamina through rich, connected text sets.
• Teams use common high-leverage routines to make thinking visible and consistent across disciplines.

The difference isn't more drills. It's more intention.

What This Means for Wisconsin Schools

The Wisconsin DPI continues to use the ACT as a key college and career readiness indicator. That means success depends on alignment between classroom practice, team planning, and system-level leadership.

Districts can strengthen that alignment by:

• Embedding ACT-style literacy skills into regular instruction across grades and subjects.
• Using ACT and other available data diagnostically to guide instructional priorities, not just report results.
• Creating shared expectations for high-leverage routines: annotation, text-based discussion, and evidence-based writing.

To support this work, CESA 6 created these free resources:

• System-Level Support Considerations: Elevating Instruction: Redefining Teaching to Build ACT Readiness
  This tool helps leadership teams reflect on how curriculum, coaching, and PD systems work together to support teacher practice.
• Download the companion: Key FAQs for Teachers: ACT 25-26 Enhancements & Wisconsin Implications handout to see a quick summary of national ACT changes, Wisconsin rollout details, and instructional "Must-Dos and Taboos."

Beyond the Test

ACT readiness isn't about teaching to a test. It is about teaching for transfer, so students can think critically, read deeply, and write with purpose long after test day.

Join Us

On December 2, 2025 (or February 19, 2026) join the CESA 6 Literacy Center for:
Strengthen Your 9–12 Instructional Practices and Empower Your High School Team for Student Success: Meeting the Shifting Targets of the ACT Test.

Register here for Dec. 2, 2025.
Register here for Feb. 19, 2026.

Participants will:

• Examine ACT updates with Wisconsin-specific context.
• Engage in hands-on practice and analysis of ACT test questions and skills.
• Take time to cross reference current district practices using the System-Level Support Considerations Tool and pinpoint next steps.
• Receive the Building a Comprehension Canopy planning tool which can help teachers design lessons that intentionally build students' knowledge and language before reading.
• Gain access to sample high school lessons from a comprehensive high school ELA unit that includes embedded daily ACT-aligned practice opportunities to build competence in reading, English, and writing.
• Practice a few high-leverage routines you can embed immediately (routines demo only; Secondary HLIR Toolkit available for purchase separately). Visit the CESA 6 store to purchase!

References

• ACT. (2025). Enhancements for K–12 Educators. ACT, Inc.
• ACT. (2025). ACT Educator Guide to Enhancements 2025. ACT, Inc.
• ACT. (2025). ACT Enhancements – Spring 2026 (Final). ACT, Inc.
• ACT. (2025). PreACT Secure Enhancements – Spring 2026. ACT, Inc.
• Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. (2025). ACT Resources. Wisconsin DPI. https://dpi.wi.gov/assessment/act/resources