District 214 Sets Record High ACT Scores

ACT scores have reached an all-time high in High School District 214.

The final ACT composite score for the Class of 2011 reached 23.4, a full 1.5 points higher than for the Class of 2002, the first year all juniors were tested. Also, for the first time two schools, Prospect and Hersey, passed the 25-point mark with scores of 25.2.

“Our ACT scores had increased in seven of the previous eight years,” Steve Cordogan, director of research and evaluation, said. “During these years, we have engaged in a program of providing a more meaningful, coherent, and engaging learning experience for our students. We have increased the rigor of our curriculum; targeting interventions toward our at-risk students to close the academic performance gap.”

Hersey and Prospect high schools continue to make the largest composite score gains in the district — .6 points and .5 points, respectively. All subjects increased in the .4 points to .7 points range at Hersey, with English and science rebounding from last year’s dips. Science and reading set new district records for high scores, 24.6 and 24.8, respectively.

Prospect High School’s math score also established a new district record high of 25.6. All subjects increased from .2 points to .7 points.

Despite fluctuations in the incoming EXPLORE scores, District 214’s composite scores are up by .2 points after decreasing by .1 point last year and increasing by .2 points for seven consecutive prior years.

This year’s state average ACT composite score is 20.9, and the national composite score remained at 21.1.

— Submitted by High School District 214