Area ACT scores are on the rise, according to newly released statistics from the Mississippi Department of Education.
The Columbia School District’s average increased from 18.2 in 2017 to 18.6 in 2018, and the Marion County School District jumped from 16.6 to 17.4. West Marion High School’s average leapt from 16.5 to 18, while East Marion’s slid from 16.8 to 16.4.
That’s compared to a state average that fell from 18 to 17.8 for high school juniors who took the test in the spring of 2018.
The state released the numbers on Nov. 8 for the exam that is one of the main criteria for college admissions and scholarships.
Columbia Superintendent Jason Harris said he is “very pleased” and that it’s a testament to the high school staff.
“Essential things are being covered to help students increase their ACT. Last year we were able to implement testing students earlier,” he said. “A lot of it is exposure. I think the research says it takes three times to get what would probably be your best score. The exposure to it is important, getting students acclimated to the time and what is expected of them to get them prepared.”
Wendy Bracey, superintendent of the Marion County School District, said the county schools have worked hard for the increase.
“MCSD is certainly proud of the plans our administrators and staff have put into action to help our students create ACT goals and meet them,” she said. “Marion County School District purchased and is utilizing the ACT Prep guides and online monitoring system from ACT - College Board. This program offers multiple assessments as well as a daily individual learning path. Students take an initial assessment to establish baseline data and set goals.”
Bracey said each high school in the Marion County district then has a designated block of time to address ACT data from the baseline assessment.
“During this 45 minute block of time, teachers help students with the ACT content knowledge and test taking strategies,” she said. “The students move through rotation stations where they spend an extended time period focusing on skill sets for a specific subject area. Each rotation is completely different; the learning is very closely tailored to the needs of the individual student according to the baseline data.”
Flashcards have been purchased for studying and skills development. Classroom teachers used these and retired ACT questions as “bell ringers” each day. Students are exposed to a question a day. Bracey said numerous students have cited that as the most helpful and meaningful ACT practice they’ve had.
Schools also start earlier preparing students. Harris said freshmen even take the test now at Columbia High.
“They take sample tests that are retired ACT tests,” Harris said. “They give a great diagnostic breakdown to the parents. It goes back to that exposure and what’s expected. We’re very excited about our scores.”
Bracey said the county schools also hold mock ACT exams throughout the year.
“The data from these assessments are used to help students determine if their estimated score ranges are on track to achieve the scores they have written in their ACT goal sheets by the time they take the ACT,” she said. “We believe it is important to keep our students focused and working hard to address areas where improvement is needed to stay on track.”
The county also hosts an ACT boot camp with practical strategies, mini-lessons and additional data-driven practice.
