Eight to Elevate: Your Path to ACT Success
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Eight to Elevate: Your Path to ACT Success

A personalized, free ACT preparation program for every Glenbard junior.


What is Eight to Elevate?

Preparing for the ACT doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Glenbard District 87 is proud to introduce Eight to Elevate, an initiative powered by the Progress Learning platform. This program provides all juniors with a personalized roadmap to improve their ACT scores. By focusing on targeted practice rather than a broad review, students spend their time exactly where it’s needed most—strengthening specific skills in English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science.

 

The Magic Number: 8 Hours

Research shows that students who complete a minimum of eight hours of active practice in Progress Learning often see meaningful gains in their ACT scores.

Why those 8 hours matter:

  • College Admissions: Higher scores can broaden your college choices and open up more doors for post-secondary success.
  • Scholarships: Even a small score increase can unlock thousands of dollars in merit-based aid.
  • Confidence: Familiarity with the test format reduces anxiety on the official testing date

 

Targeted, Not Tedious

In October, all juniors completed a diagnostic ACT during the school day. Progress Learning used those results to build a Personalized Study Plan for every Glenbard student. Juniors who did not take the diagnostic test in October should contact their Assistant Principal of Instruction for more information.

  1. Identify Focus Areas: Students see exactly which skills need work (e.g., “Punctuation” or “Algebraic Functions”).
  2. Learn & Practice: Short instructional videos are followed by targeted practice questions.
  3. Mastery: Once a student reaches 80% mastery in a skill, it moves out of their “Focus Area,” showing real-time progress.
  4. Flexible Timing: Practice happens during Glenbard Hour, Collaboration hour, PLC time, or at home. The platform is flexible and self-paced, allowing students to complete short practice sessions that add up over time.

 

ACT focus area graphic


Small Goals, Big Growth

Success in the Eight to Elevate program isn’t just about logging time; it’s about purposeful practice. Students are encouraged to set specific, actionable goals for every session to build test-taking stamina and precision. Students can use this optional worksheet for goal setting and celebrating progress. 

How Students Set Goals:
Every time a student logs in, they should use a simple frame to focus their effort:
“Today during practice, I will [action] so that I can [result].”

Examples of Strong Goals:

  • “Today I will slow down and underline key words so that I can avoid careless mistakes.”
  • “Today I will practice pacing by checking the clock each passage so that I can finish every section.”
  • “Today I will write out my math steps so that I can avoid losing points for small errors.”

The Power of Reflection
At the end of a session, students reflect: Did I adhere to my goal? This honest self-assessment helps students see progress over time, moving from “Not yet” to “Mostly” to “Yes.”

 

Supporting Your Student’s Journey

Families play a vital role in encouraging students to reach their “Eight to Elevate” goal.

  • Zero Cost: This premium platform is provided by Glenbard at no cost to families.
  • Progress Tracking: Ask your student to show you their Progress Learning dashboard to see their “Mastery” percentages grow.
  • Life Skills: The critical thinking, data analysis, and time management skills built here translate directly to college and career success.

 

Ready to Start?

Follow the “Eight to Elevate” pathway to maximize your growth:

  1. Log In: Access Progress Learning through your Glenbard bookmarks.
  2. Check Your Scores: Review your lowest subject score from the October diagnostic.
  3. Watch & Learn: Choose a video for your lowest percentage skill.
  4. Practice: Answer questions to build toward that 80% mastery.
  5. Reflect: Set a weekly goal (e.g., “I will practice pacing today so I can finish every section”).
  6. Detailed instructions for students are available in this PDF.

 

2025-26 Dates

  • Program Start: January 14, 2026
  • Official ACT Date: April 15, 2026