The decision to move to the SAT was announced after ACT's contract ended on June 30 and the Kentucky Department of Education opted to make the change — one that was initially challenged. But now the new policy is official.
Education leaders have given a number of reasons for the switch. One is cost, with the state saying it could save up to $350,000 a year. Another, Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher noted, is flexibility.
"The SAT actually gives you a four-week window to administer the test. So districts could choose when they would like to take the test within that window as opposed to... at a certain time or a certain date," he said.
The test will be administered to high school juniors beginning in the spring of 2026.
Students will still have the option of taking the ACT in addition if they choose.