Edtech Insiders

Author: Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell

At Edtech Insiders, we interview founders, investors, operators, educators, and thought leaders about the future of education technology. Youll hear from leaders across the education technology industry and learn about all of the important edtech trends happening globally.
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Language: en-us

Genres: Education, News, Tech News

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Steve Tapp of ACT on Bridging Academic Assessment and Workforce Readiness
Monday, 20 April, 2026

Send us Fan MailSteve Tapp is the CEO of ACT, a leading nonprofit assessment organization best known for the ACT college admissions test. With over 30 years of experience in assessments across education, professional certification, and workforce testing, he previously led PSI Services and Lifelong Learner Holdings, helping scale global assessment platforms.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow AI is transforming the assessment lifecycle—from test creation to scoring.Why fairness, validity, and human oversight still matter in AI-powered testing.How ACT is expanding beyond college admissions into career readiness.The potential of adaptive and personalized assessments.Why bridging academic testing and workforce skills is the future of assessment.✨ Episode Highlights[00:00:00] Steve Tapp on his 30-year career in assessments and joining ACT as CEO.[00:03:00] AI as a “force multiplier” across the testing lifecycle.[00:07:27] The opportunity for adaptive and personalized assessments.[00:10:28] ACT’s broader mission beyond the college admissions test.[00:15:46] The growing importance of measuring workforce-ready skills.[00:18:30] How ACT’s WorkKeys connects education to real-world jobs.[00:22:45] Tapp’s vision for the future of ACT in the AI era.😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. Cooley LLP is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.