At the foundation of the Educational Planning and Assessment System (EPAS) programs are ACT's College Readiness Standards. The Standards offer learning strategies that are likely to help students meet state standards and acquire the more advanced concepts associated with higher EPAS test scores and, more importantly, increased college readiness. College Readiness Standards are detailed, research-based descriptions of the skills and knowledge associated with what students are likely to know and to be able to do based on their EXPLORE, PLAN, and/or ACT test scores. The Standards were developed in response to the need for better information about student achievement and to answer the often-asked question, What does a given score on EXPLORE, PLAN, or the ACT really mean? The Standards are an effective tool for enhancing student learning based on test scores that students earn. The Standards are complemented by ideas for progress--brief descriptions of learning experiences from which students might benefit.