Kentucky Switching from ACT® to SAT®: Preparing Districts, Schools, Teachers, and Students

For years, Kentucky high school juniors took the ACT® as part of the state’s accountability system and college admissions preparation. That’s about to change.

Beginning spring 2026, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) will transition to the SAT® as the state-funded college admissions exam. This change follows the awarding of a four-year contract to the College Board, replacing ACT® as the official provider. For educators, leaders, and families, this shift raises important questions: Why the change? How will it impact curriculum and test prep? What should schools do to prepare students, particularly in a fully digital testing environment?

Let’s walk through what you need to know and how Progress Learning can support your transition.

Why Did Kentucky Switch from ACT® to SAT®?

Kentucky had a longstanding relationship with ACT®, but in a competitive bid process, the SAT® emerged as a more cost-effective, flexible, and student-friendly option:

• Cost Savings: The contract with the College Board is valued at $30 per student, potentially saving Kentucky up to $350,000 annually.
• Digital-First Design: The SAT® is already digital and adaptive—an important step forward as ACT® continues its transition to digital formats.
• Student-Centric Features: The SAT® now offers a shorter test, faster score reporting, and seamless integration with Khan Academy’s free SAT® prep, giving students greater access to practice tools.
• College Acceptance: Major Kentucky institutions, including University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, EKU, and Western Kentucky University already accept SAT® scores for admissions.
  

Although a protest was filed against the contract award, it was formally denied after review, confirming the state’s move toward implementation in 2026.

When Does This Change Take Effect?

• Spring 2026: The SAT® officially replaces the ACT® as Kentucky’s state-funded college entrance exam.
• Class of 2027: This year’s 10th graders will be the first to take the SAT® as part of the required spring assessment cycle.
• Current 11th and 12th Graders: These students remain unaffected and will complete their ACT® pathway as planned.
  

Testing will be delivered digitally through the SAT® School Day program, allowing districts to choose testing dates during a six-week window starting March 2, 2026.

SAT® vs. ACT®: What’s the Difference?

What This Means for Districts, Schools, and Educators

District and School Leaders:

• Evaluate current assessment strategies and curriculum maps for alignment to SAT® content and format.
• Prioritize professional development for high school ELA and math teachers to build confidence with digital assessment tools and question styles.
• Communicate with families early to prepare them for the shift.
  

Teachers:

• Adjust classroom practices to emphasize evidence-based reading, data interpretation, and math reasoning without a calculator.
• Integrate SAT®-style questions into exit tickets, quizzes, and formative assessments.
• Encourage consistent practice and digital test exposure to reduce anxiety.
  

Students:

• Need exposure to digital testing environments, not just academic content.
• Will benefit from consistent SAT®-aligned prep beginning this fall, especially current sophomores preparing for spring 2026.
  Will take advantage of personalized practice via Khan Academy and school-supported platforms like Progress Learning.

How Progress Learning Helps Kentucky Schools Transition to the SAT®

Progress Learning provides Kentucky schools with a powerful toolkit to navigate this shift:

• Digital-first test prep: Our platform is fully digital, helping students build confidence and fluency with technology-enhanced items, just like the new digital SAT®.
• Custom and pre-built SAT®-style assessments: Districts can mirror SAT® rigor and pacing with our 200,000+ item bank.
• Formative and summative tools: Whether it’s a bell ringer, unit quiz, or benchmark, Progress Learning helps teachers track mastery in real time.
• Aligned content for future PSAT® cohorts: Prepare not just your juniors but also your 9th and 10th graders for the PSAT® and full SAT® experience.
  

Kentucky’s switch to the SAT® isn’t just a change in test, it’s a shift in mindset. Schools that start planning now will ensure that students are equipped not just to take the SAT®, but to succeed.

Let’s Get Ready Together.

Progress Learning is built to meet this moment. With a platform already aligned to Kentucky Academic Standards, digital tools tailored for state assessments, and personalized learning paths, we’re ready to support your school or district through every step of this transition.

Need to prepare your students for the digital SAT®? Get in touch with our SAT® experts today.