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Post by title1parent on Aug 13, 2008 6:12:55 GMT -5
www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=227201&src=76Dist. 204's ACT scores remain consistent By Justin Kmitch | Daily Herald Staff Published: 8/13/2008 12:04 AM If standardized test results continue to be the bench mark for college success, most Indian Prairie Unit District 204 students appear to be well on their way. The district released its ACT results this week, showing composite scores that remained stable at 23.4 of a possible 36. Last year's composite was 23.5. The state average composite is 20.7 and the national average is 21.1. Deputy Superintendent Kathryn Birkett called the tests the "best global indicator of achievement" for college-bound students while pointing out that the scores put the district in the top 8 percent in the nation. "That one-tenth of a point decrease (in the district's composite score) is really insignificant from an educational standpoint," she said. "Our composite this year is still a pretty darn strong score considering 99 percent of our students took the exam." Overall, there was little change in most subject scores at Neuqua Valley and Waubonsie Valley high schools. Both schools made slight improvements in math, which Director of Research Patrick Nolten attributed to students "reaping the benefits" of the now-required third year of math instruction in high school. Neuqua's scores increased from 24.1 to 24.3 and Waubonsie's from 22.3 to 22.6. English scores dipped slightly at both schools, from 22.8 to 22.3 at Waubonsie and 24.3 to 24 at Neuqua. Science scores at Waubonsie remained almost the same, 22.1 compared to 22.2 last year. Neuqua Valley's science scores dropped four-tenths of a point, from 23.8 to 23.4. Birkett said the information is currently being shared with administrators at both schools, who will continue to analyze the data and see where students need to improve. She was not concerned by Waubonsie Valley's scores, which ranked at least seven-tenths of a point below Neuqua in every category. "We always look at our buildings. We look at them individually and we look at a lot of dynamics, particularly we look at all of our demographics. We look at our kids and how they scored earlier as they came through the system," she said. "Considering both high schools still remain in the top 8 percent in the nation, I'm happy with that." Even greater shifts are expected in coming years when Metea Valley High School opens its doors to 3,000 students. "I would not be surprised to see a change in the scores and the way that we do score across all three buildings when we add that third building because I think just logistically it will just change," Birkett said. "It would not surprise if there's some shift but we'll wait and see. There's never any guarantee." By the numbers Indian Prairie Unit District 204 has released its 2008 ACT scores. The scores reflect tests taken by the senior class that graduated this spring. District totals Composite: 23.4 (last year: 23.5) English: 23.3 (23.7) Math: 23.5 (23.3) Reading: 23.4 (23.5) Science: 22.8 (23.1) Waubonsie Valley Composite: 22.5 (last year: 22.6) English: 22.3 (22.8) Math: 22.6 (22.3) Reading: 22.6 (22.6) Science: 22.1 (22.2) Neuqua Valley Composite: 24.1 (last year: 24.2) English: 24 (24.3) Math: 24.3 (24.1) Reading: 24 (24.2) Science: 23.4 (23.8) State avg. composite: 20.7 National avg. composite: 21.1 Source: Indian Prairie Unit District 204
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Post by majorianthrax on Aug 13, 2008 9:59:24 GMT -5
Well good news although we are still behind #203. That will probably never change.
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Post by momto4 on Aug 13, 2008 10:28:01 GMT -5
Well good news although we are still behind #203. That will probably never change. I wish we could see a comparison of the top 50% of scores from all the schools. Those would likely include only students who plan to go to college and have taken coursework for that goal, and are actually motivated to attempt to do well on the test. I am sure the numbers become skewed when everyone has to take the test.
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Post by Arch on Aug 13, 2008 10:31:25 GMT -5
Well good news although we are still behind #203. That will probably never change. I wish we could see a comparison of the top 50% of scores from all the schools. Those would likely include only students who plan to go to college and have taken coursework for that goal, and are actually motivated to attempt to do well on the test. I am sure the numbers become skewed when everyone has to take the test. Personally, I just look at where my kids scores and compare it to the entry requirements or possible future schools for a gauge.
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Post by momto4 on Aug 13, 2008 11:03:11 GMT -5
I wish we could see a comparison of the top 50% of scores from all the schools. Those would likely include only students who plan to go to college and have taken coursework for that goal, and are actually motivated to attempt to do well on the test. I am sure the numbers become skewed when everyone has to take the test. Personally, I just look at where my kids scores and compare it to the entry requirements or possible future schools for a gauge. Of course. But there are people/orgs that look at the scores of the schools, obviously, and I don't really think the overall score of all juniors in a building is terribly meaningful.
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Post by doctorwho on Aug 13, 2008 11:03:56 GMT -5
Well good news although we are still behind #203. That will probably never change. I wish we could see a comparison of the top 50% of scores from all the schools. Those would likely include only students who plan to go to college and have taken coursework for that goal, and are actually motivated to attempt to do well on the test. I am sure the numbers become skewed when everyone has to take the test. which is why all schools are encouraged to have 100% of the kids take the test so that there is a common baseline. Also curious as to why the view that the 203 - 204 gap would never change -? As an example - Neuqua is now over 10 years old and well established - why behind both Central and North ? Is there any difference in curricula that lends itself more to testing results ? Don't know - just curious. Also would be curious to know the % of kids in private schools with entrance tests and IMSA from each district - as their departures have an effect on the overall scores for each district also, especially those who were in 203 or 204 for ES and MS.
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Post by asmodeus on Aug 13, 2008 13:29:15 GMT -5
I thought the test was mandatory. When I was in school it was only required for students going to college...I thought all students now take it.
Talk about a misleading weasel quote! The COMBINED score is in the top 8%. Each school is NOT.
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Post by sardines on Aug 13, 2008 13:54:21 GMT -5
Well good news although we are still behind #203. That will probably never change. I wish we could see a comparison of the top 50% of scores from all the schools. Those would likely include only students who plan to go to college and have taken coursework for that goal, and are actually motivated to attempt to do well on the test. I am sure the numbers become skewed when everyone has to take the test. I agree. The fact that kids taking an all AP track take the same ACT test as many kids who do not have plans to attend college at all obviously will skew public school results year to year based on multiple variables.Some kids view these tests as an "inconvenience" disrupting their day. In 2007, at WV 99% took the test but only 63% had plans to attend a four year college. At NV 99% took the test and only 80% had plans to attend a four year college. I think WV scores faired pretty well considering 36% of the people that took the test and got factored into the overall school averages didn't even plan to go to a four year college. I'm confident if the top 10-20% from each school within the districts (both public and private) had score comparisons the differences would be miniscule. I've known kids from almost all of the high schools that have earned 33,34 and 35's on their ACT's (even the occasional perfect 36) across the board. Birkett even says " the tests are the 'best global indicator of achievement' for college-bound students...
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Post by specialneedsmom on Aug 13, 2008 16:10:31 GMT -5
You all have a lot to be thankful for. Count your blessings that your kids have the wherewithall to be college bound and try not to be so concerned with keeping up with the Jones'.
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Post by specialneedsmom on Aug 14, 2008 9:17:11 GMT -5
I wasn't sure whether to start a new thread about this, but it sort of answers the question about what happens when you look at college bound students only, even though I realize that these are the top of the top who are able to score high on an entry exam.
Published: 8/14/2008 12:04 AMSend To:
It was five years ago that Benet Academy's composite ACT score climbed to 28.0 for the first time - truly rarefied air for any high school.
But if students, teachers, parents and administrators felt that score somehow marked a pinnacle for the Lisle institution, they were wrong.
Instead, Benet has continued to build on that success to the point where this year's graduating seniors scored a composite 28.3 on the ACT's 36-point scale - a record high for the school.
It also marks the fifth straight year students have reached or exceeded the magic 28.0 mark, including their previous record of 28.2 set in 2007.
"We're really thrilled," Principal Steve Marth said Wednesday. "It's a phenomenal score."
To achieve that composite, Benet students scored a 29.4 in English (up from 28.8 last year), 27.9 in math and 28.6 in reading (unchanged from last year), and 26.9 in science (down from 27.0).
Statewide the average composite score was 20.7 and nationally it was 21.1.
All Illinois graduates take the ACT, comprised of tests in English, math, reading and science.
Marth said Benet administrators view the scores - along with numerous other factors - as "indicators that we're meeting our goal of creating lifelong learners."
"At the heart of it, what's most important is the kind of experiences students have in the classroom," he said. "These scores reflect a work ethic of students who are encouraged to do their best and strive for excellence."
The key in building that kind of approach, Marth said, "is that they're supported by parents and wonderful teachers."
Even with Benet's commitment to excellence, Marth admits it will be difficult to sustain that high level of success on the ACTs forever. But with the school year ready to start in less than two weeks, he's hoping to try.
"While we are certainly most proud of our students' accomplishments," he said, "we recognize that this achievement has been a collaborative effort involving talented and hard-working students, outstanding and dedicated teachers, and supportive and encouraging parents."
By the numbers
Benet Academy in Lisle has released its 2008 ACT scores. The scores reflect tests taken by the senior class that graduated this spring.
School totals
Composite: 28.3 (last year: 28.2)
English: 29.4 (28.8)
Mathematics: 27.9 (27.9)
Reading: 28.6 (28.6)
Science: 26.9 (27.0)
State avg. composite: 20.7
National avg. composite: 21.1
Source: Benet Academy
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Post by doctorwho on Aug 14, 2008 9:28:02 GMT -5
I wasn't sure whether to start a new thread about this, but it sort of answers the question about what happens when you look at college bound students only, even though I realize that these are the top of the top who are able to score high on an entry exam. Published: 8/14/2008 12:04 AMSend To: It was five years ago that Benet Academy's composite ACT score climbed to 28.0 for the first time - truly rarefied air for any high school. But if students, teachers, parents and administrators felt that score somehow marked a pinnacle for the Lisle institution, they were wrong. Instead, Benet has continued to build on that success to the point where this year's graduating seniors scored a composite 28.3 on the ACT's 36-point scale - a record high for the school. It also marks the fifth straight year students have reached or exceeded the magic 28.0 mark, including their previous record of 28.2 set in 2007. "We're really thrilled," Principal Steve Marth said Wednesday. "It's a phenomenal score." To achieve that composite, Benet students scored a 29.4 in English (up from 28.8 last year), 27.9 in math and 28.6 in reading (unchanged from last year), and 26.9 in science (down from 27.0). Statewide the average composite score was 20.7 and nationally it was 21.1. All Illinois graduates take the ACT, comprised of tests in English, math, reading and science. Marth said Benet administrators view the scores - along with numerous other factors - as "indicators that we're meeting our goal of creating lifelong learners." "At the heart of it, what's most important is the kind of experiences students have in the classroom," he said. "These scores reflect a work ethic of students who are encouraged to do their best and strive for excellence." The key in building that kind of approach, Marth said, "is that they're supported by parents and wonderful teachers." Even with Benet's commitment to excellence, Marth admits it will be difficult to sustain that high level of success on the ACTs forever. But with the school year ready to start in less than two weeks, he's hoping to try. "While we are certainly most proud of our students' accomplishments," he said, "we recognize that this achievement has been a collaborative effort involving talented and hard-working students, outstanding and dedicated teachers, and supportive and encouraging parents." By the numbers Benet Academy in Lisle has released its 2008 ACT scores. The scores reflect tests taken by the senior class that graduated this spring. School totals Composite: 28.3 (last year: 28.2) English: 29.4 (28.8) Mathematics: 27.9 (27.9) Reading: 28.6 (28.6) Science: 26.9 (27.0) State avg. composite: 20.7 National avg. composite: 21.1 Source: Benet Academy Yes a lot of them are the top of the top based on entrance exams - ( had to score 91% + this year) - but there are also a fair number of students who are siblings and only have to score 60% on the entrance exam for entry. Now likely a lot of them might have had 91% plus anyway - but I am sure some wouldn't. Based on the fact the entry test score admission went up significantly this year ( far more applicants than ever) - there is likely a chance 28.3 will climb again when the class of 2012 are juniors.
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Post by sardines on Aug 14, 2008 11:48:15 GMT -5
I wasn't sure whether to start a new thread about this, but it sort of answers the question about what happens when you look at college bound students only, even though I realize that these are the top of the top who are able to score high on an entry exam. Published: 8/14/2008 12:04 AMSend To: It was five years ago that Benet Academy's composite ACT score climbed to 28.0 for the first time - truly rarefied air for any high school. But if students, teachers, parents and administrators felt that score somehow marked a pinnacle for the Lisle institution, they were wrong. Instead, Benet has continued to build on that success to the point where this year's graduating seniors scored a composite 28.3 on the ACT's 36-point scale - a record high for the school. It also marks the fifth straight year students have reached or exceeded the magic 28.0 mark, including their previous record of 28.2 set in 2007. "We're really thrilled," Principal Steve Marth said Wednesday. "It's a phenomenal score." To achieve that composite, Benet students scored a 29.4 in English (up from 28.8 last year), 27.9 in math and 28.6 in reading (unchanged from last year), and 26.9 in science (down from 27.0). Statewide the average composite score was 20.7 and nationally it was 21.1. All Illinois graduates take the ACT, comprised of tests in English, math, reading and science. Marth said Benet administrators view the scores - along with numerous other factors - as "indicators that we're meeting our goal of creating lifelong learners." "At the heart of it, what's most important is the kind of experiences students have in the classroom," he said. "These scores reflect a work ethic of students who are encouraged to do their best and strive for excellence." The key in building that kind of approach, Marth said, "is that they're supported by parents and wonderful teachers." Even with Benet's commitment to excellence, Marth admits it will be difficult to sustain that high level of success on the ACTs forever. But with the school year ready to start in less than two weeks, he's hoping to try. "While we are certainly most proud of our students' accomplishments," he said, "we recognize that this achievement has been a collaborative effort involving talented and hard-working students, outstanding and dedicated teachers, and supportive and encouraging parents." By the numbers Benet Academy in Lisle has released its 2008 ACT scores. The scores reflect tests taken by the senior class that graduated this spring. School totals Composite: 28.3 (last year: 28.2) English: 29.4 (28.8) Mathematics: 27.9 (27.9) Reading: 28.6 (28.6) Science: 26.9 (27.0) State avg. composite: 20.7 National avg. composite: 21.1 Source: Benet Academy Yes a lot of them are the top of the top based on entrance exams - ( had to score 91% + this year) - but there are also a fair number of students who are siblings and only have to score 60% on the entrance exam for entry. Now likely a lot of them might have had 91% plus anyway - but I am sure some wouldn't. Based on the fact the entry test score admission went up significantly this year ( far more applicants than ever) - there is likely a chance 28.3 will climb again when the class of 2012 are juniors. I agree. As the qualifications of the pool of candidates being tested improves, so do the average scores. Also, keep in mind that 99% of the Benet students tested go on to 4-year college (may be 100%). That's a big difference compared to only 63% at WV or 80% at NV. It's not comparing apples to apples until you start looking at averages of the top 10-20% from each school respectively. I just find it interesting to keep in mind when looking at the big picture. I never really had given it much thought before my kids got to high school age and were given the choice between private and public school. The oldest chose public ( but got a 99% on the private entrance exam...go figure) and it appears the next one may go private(provided can make the score). I just think each kid is different and I don't get as concerned about overall school ACT scores anymore.
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Post by doctorwho on Aug 14, 2008 11:56:11 GMT -5
Yes a lot of them are the top of the top based on entrance exams - ( had to score 91% + this year) - but there are also a fair number of students who are siblings and only have to score 60% on the entrance exam for entry. Now likely a lot of them might have had 91% plus anyway - but I am sure some wouldn't. Based on the fact the entry test score admission went up significantly this year ( far more applicants than ever) - there is likely a chance 28.3 will climb again when the class of 2012 are juniors. I agree. As the qualifications of the pool of candidates being tested improves, so do the average scores. Also, keep in mind that 99% of the Benet students tested go on to 4-year college (may be 100%). That's a big difference compared to only 63% at WV or 80% at NV. It's not comparing apples to apples until you start looking at averages of the top 10-20% from each school respectively. I just find it interesting to keep in mind when looking at the big picture. I never really had given it much thought before my kids got to high school age and were given the choice between private and public school. The oldest chose public ( but got a 99% on the private entrance exam...go figure) and it appears the next one may go private(provided can make the score). I just think each kid is different and I don't get as concerned about overall school ACT scores anymore. I agree- I would never portray it as apples to apples - ....and I agree with the statement that the ACT scores are more imprtant individually than as a whole. The one concern I may have though is that when you have 2 schools demographically the same- in the same area - all else being equal- if one constantly outperforms the other on this test which colleges use heavily - is it a curriculum issue ? Case in point say NV and Central. Don't know that it is - but I would hope someone would look at it - and likely they already have. As far as the entrance exams for your next child - I would expect next year to be even heavier in this area for private school applications - and the larger the base the higher the minimum score to get in. Now if they also score 99% they are fine - but would be surprised to see that score move to 94 or 95% minimum next year. I also encourage the study sessions offered in MS - and a good guide workbook - I believe they help focus in on the test taking part -more than the knowledge itself. Hope they do well if they choose to go in that direction.
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Post by sardines on Aug 14, 2008 12:51:28 GMT -5
Thanks doctorwho. I appreciate the tips. I have heard about some review courses offerred locally and we will probably sign up for one of those as well. The first kid is alot stronger in math and I think that was a huge plus on the test. We'll have to see how it goes. I do think for the younger one, a total college prep curriculum in a smaller environment would be great.
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Post by doctorwho on Aug 14, 2008 14:16:02 GMT -5
Thanks doctorwho. I appreciate the tips. I have heard about some review courses offerred locally and we will probably sign up for one of those as well. The first kid is alot stronger in math and I think that was a huge plus on the test. We'll have to see how it goes. I do think for the younger one, a total college prep curriculum in a smaller environment would be great. That's what I am looking to get- it is college prep, in an intimate setting from day 1. Without setting one day in the classroom yet - the number of people who already know who you are is amazing. The last senior class profile I have ( from class of 2007 ) - has 100% grduated with 3 or more years of social science 96% graduated with 4 or more year of mathematics 99% graduated with 3 or more years of science 92% graduated with 3 or more years of foreign language Honors courses are not weigted and Band/Chorus/PE not included in GPA. In AP 300 studnens took 513 exams and 83% scored high enough for college credit 16 national merit semi finalists/ 31 national merit commended scholars and 199 illinois state scholars in a class of just over 300. So yeah, the focus is on the next level from day 1. On the entrance exam the math is weighted heavily in the sheer volume of questions and is extensive in what it covers- and either qualified or disqualified many a candidate from those I have talked to. sorry to get off track somewhat here- sardines PM me if you want any other info that I can be of help with --
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