Standardized Assessment

The PSAT/NMSQT is a test within the SAT Suite of Assessments that is used to determine eligibility for the National Merit Scholar Program. This exam is offered as an optional test to all D128 11th-grade students and is administered each year on DARING Day. Registration and payment are required, and information regarding this process will be distributed to all 11th-grade students and families in the fall.

For more information, visit this link

With the mandated state assessment having switched from the SAT to the ACT in 2025, D128 is providing 11th-grade students the opportunity to take a practice ACT on DARING Day.  Any 11th-grade student who does not register for the PSAT/NMSQT will be automatically registered to take the Practice ACT. This is not an official PreACT but is a digital practice test designed and administered by Compass Education Group. Following the test, students will receive a full, interactive report that will help them understand their results. Students who choose to take the PSAT/NMSQT on DARING Day will be offered the opportunity to take the Practice ACT through Compass at home.

For more information, visit this link

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a career exploration and aptitude assessment designed to help students better understand their strengths, interests, and potential career pathways. The assessment measures skills across areas such as math, science, reading, mechanical concepts, and technical knowledge, providing students with personalized information they can use to explore a wide range of civilian and military careers. The ASVAB can be especially valuable for students interested in skilled trades and technical careers, helping identify strengths that align with fields such as construction, manufacturing, automotive technology, electrical work, engineering technology, and other hands-on professions. While the ASVAB is used by the U.S. military as part of its enlistment process, taking the ASVAB does not require or commit a student to military service. As a college and career readiness tool, the ASVAB can help students discover new possibilities and make more informed decisions about education, training, employment, and military opportunities after graduation.

For more information, visit this link

All students identified as English learners will take the online ACCESS or Alternate ACCESS test for the State of Illinois, as required by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). These assessments measure the academic English language proficiency level of students across four components: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. All students who qualify for English language support are required to take this assessment and are registered automatically. Communication regarding this assessment will be distributed upon the return from winter break.

For more information, visit this link

The DLM-AA is the required state assessment for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. As determined by a student’s IEP, students in 9th, 10th, and 11th grades may take the DLM-AA if participation in the state’s regular assessment (ACT or PreACT) is not appropriate, even with accommodations. Families of students participating in this assessment will receive more information as the testing dates approach.

All 9th, 10th, and 11th-grade students in the state of Illinois are required to participate in the digital ACT with Writing (11th grade) or respective grade level PreACT each spring. This test is mandated by the Illinois State Board of Education. 11th-grade students must participate in all five sections of the ACT with Writing assessment: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and Writing. 9th and 10th-grade students must participate in all four sections of their respective grade level PreACT assessment: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. (There is no writing portion on the PreACT assessments.)

Students are automatically registered for their respective tests. More information will be distributed as the test dates approach.

AP exams are administered each spring, according to the schedule published by CollegeBoard, the organization that oversees Advanced Placement. These exams allow students to demonstrate their skills and potentially earn college credit. Students enrolled in AP courses are not required to take the associated AP exam; however, the majority of our students do. CollegeBoard determines exam costs and registration deadlines. And, although the exams are not until May, the registration deadline for full-year and first-semester AP courses occurs in the fall semester. AP students and families will receive additional information at the start of the semesters regarding AP exam registration and payment. 

National ACT exams are held throughout the year on Saturdays, according to the schedule published by ACT. Students do not need to take the test at their home school but can register to take the test anywhere it is being hosted. D128 is not hosting any national ACTs this school year; however, there are many area schools that host numerous National ACT dates. The ACT will also be given as a school-day test in the spring as part of state testing (see State Testing section above).

For upcoming National ACT test dates and to register, click on this link

Important Notes:

• Wondering if your colleges require a test? Check out Fairtest.org before you register.
• Watch for and complete all registration steps via the national portals. Incomplete registration profiles may result in an automatic removal from the testing roster if not completed by specified deadlines.

National SAT exams are held throughout the year on Saturdays, according to the schedule published by CollegeBoard. Students do not need to take the test at their home school but can register to take the test anywhere it is being hosted. 

Many schools in the area, including ours host National SAT dates.

• Vernon Hills High School will host a National SAT on Saturday, August 22, 2026.
• Libertyville High School will host a National SAT on Saturday,  March 6, 2027.

Students are welcome to register for the National SAT at an alternate location.

For upcoming National SAT test dates and to register, click on this link

Important Notes:

• Wondering if your colleges require a test? Check out Fairtest.org before you register.
• Watch for and complete all registration steps via the national portals. Incomplete registration profiles may result in an automatic removal from the testing roster if not completed by specified deadlines.