Minooka High sees rise in ACT scores
By Kris Stadalsky For The Herald-News September 13, 2012 8:16AM
Updated: October 15, 2012 9:47AM
MINOOKA — ACT scores for the most recent graduates at Minooka High School have made significant increases and administrators give credit to the change in the district’s curriculum and the educators who have carried it out.
The biggest increase took place in English, where the average score went from 21.1 the prior year to 22.0 for 2012 graduates. Both the state and national averages are 20.0, said Bob Williams, director of curriculum and instruction.
Just a few years ago the district was shooting for an average score of 21, Williams said.
“This is the first time (we’ve reached 22) in any of our courses,” he said.
The district realigned its curriculum in 2010 to college readiness and state learning standards, following goals and objectives in their new strategic plan. One of the first objectives is to help students increase test scores regardless of learning ability.
Courses have been added or increased to accomplish that goal, including double-block math courses and reading programs that provide varying levels of reading assistance.
Students who graduated in 2012 have had two years of the new curriculum, Williams said.
“We have raised the standards of the kids. The more they are exposed to the more they pick up,” he said. “If we are teaching the same thing, they are not going to grow.”
Math increased from 20.9 in 2011 to 21.6 in 2012. The state average is 21.0 and national average is 21.1.
Reading went from 21.2 the previous year to 21.6 in 2012, compared to the state average of 20.7 and national average of 21.3.
Science scores rose to 21.7 from 21.4 last year; the state average is 20.8 and national average is 20.9.
The composite score for all areas for Minooka was 21.8 compared to 20.9 for the state and 21.1 for the nation.
“Our scores are at an all time high. Realigning the curriculum is paying off,” Williams said.
School board member Debra Warning said the report is the most fabulous one she’s heard.
“I think we are going to see improvements in all areas,” she said. “We have done tremendous things in getting kids college ready in math and science. It’s a total group effort, the staff, the kids (and) the parents at home.”
