Marion High School ACT scores on the rise
ACT scores for Marion High School students have increased steadily after a dramatic drop in 1998-99, school officials reported Sept. 11 to the MHS Site Council.
Average scores are separated based on students who take core courses (four years of English and three years of math, science, and social studies) and those who don't.
For the class of 2002, 21 took the test. Of those, 18 met the core course requirement. Their average composite score was 22.1. The state average was 22.6, and the national average was 21.8.
For the class of 1998, the average score was 24.2, but only five students taking core courses took the test. The other 24 weren't taking core courses; their average composite score was 20.1.
In 1999, five students in core courses took the test, but their average composite score dropped to 20.2. The 29 non-core students scored 20.3
In 2000, 12 students in core courses scored 20.8. A total of 29 students in non-core courses scored 18.3.
In 2001, 26 students in core courses score an average of 21.4. Ten students in non-core courses scored 18.5.
To help students with the test, some teachers offer mini-courses that concentrate on the ACT. Also, the school likely will shift to two "pre-ACT" tests for freshmen and sophomores, which will help familiarize students with the testing style.
Analysis of standardized tests helps show areas where students need improvement, which can lead to changes in curriculum. The ACT itself is not required, but the "pre-tests" would be offered to all students as one of the tests the school uses to meet state accreditation requirements.
