ACT and Texas Instruments have announced a partnership designed to boost student performance on the ACT mathematics test, combining the assessment firm’s resources with the calculator maker’s technology.
New online hub and instructional videos
The collaboration launches a co‑branded online resource center on the ACT website. The hub offers instructional videos that show how to use Texas Instruments calculators effectively during the math portion of the test. The videos are meant to help students become comfortable with the tools they will likely use on exam day.
In addition to the videos, the site provides study materials that incorporate TI calculators. These resources aim to let students practice applying mathematical concepts while managing the limited time available on the ACT. The materials are already live and can be accessed through the ACT Math Calculator Tips page.
Teacher professional development
ACT plans to roll out professional development programs for educators. The sessions will focus on strategies for integrating calculator use into classroom instruction and preparing students for calculator‑based testing. According to Andrew Taylor, senior vice president of educational solutions at ACT, the effort reflects “our commitment to providing students with the tools and resources they need to demonstrate their mathematical knowledge effectively.”
Laura Chambers, president of Texas Instruments Education Technology, added that the partnership “will help students showcase their true mathematical abilities during the ACT test.” Her comments echo the broader goal of aligning classroom practice with the demands of high‑stakes assessments.
Both organizations stress that the partnership does not introduce new technology but rather optimizes existing tools. Texas Instruments calculators are already approved for use on many standardized exams, and the new materials simply make that approval more visible to students and teachers.
From a broader perspective, aligning assessment preparation with familiar technology can reduce test‑day anxiety. When learners practice with the same devices they will use during the exam, they spend less mental energy worrying about operation and more on problem solving. This modest improvement may contribute to incremental score gains across a large population of test‑takers.
The initiative also includes a modest outreach component. ACT will promote the resources through its existing communication channels, while Texas Instruments will feature the partnership on its education portal. The combined effort is expected to reach a wide audience of high‑school students preparing for college admission.
Critics of standardized testing have sometimes questioned the emphasis on tool‑based preparation. However, the partnership’s supporters argue that providing clear guidance on calculator use is a practical step that respects the realities of modern mathematics education.
In the coming months, ACT intends to monitor usage statistics for the new online hub. The data will inform future updates to the instructional content. Texas Instruments has pledged to keep its calculator technology aligned with evolving test specifications, ensuring that students will not face unexpected changes in device compatibility.
Students seeking immediate access can find the calculator tips and related study aids on the ACT website.
Teachers can register for professional development sessions through the same portal.
Both organizations have made the materials freely available, reflecting a shared aim to lower barriers to effective test preparation, much like efforts to expand mental health support in schools.
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