Recent graduates of the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky saw improvement in ACT scores from their junior to senior year of study in the program.
On Wednesday, the Kentucky Department of Education announced the results of the 2009 ACT for all public schools. Gatton Academy students outpaced their peers, receiving an average composite score of 29.0 out of 36 possible points on the exam — a score 9.6 points ahead of the statewide average.
The ACT, which assesses English, reading, mathematics and science and is scored on a scale of 1 to 36. This is the first year in which all graduating Kentucky seniors are estimated to have completed the exam.
In the individual subjects, Gatton Academy students scored an average of 29.1 in English, 29.1 in mathematics, 29.0 in reading and 28.4 in science.
Academy Administrators were most excited about the steady increase of scores by 2.5 points from students’ admission to the program in 2007 to their graduation in May. The Class of 2009 scored an average composite of 26.5 upon admission to the program in March 2007 and later increased their scores to 28.3 in March 2008.
Dr. Christopher “Pokey” Bowen, assistant director for counselor services, contributed part of the increase to student’s familiarity with the exam. “I believe it shows that our students really get exposed to relevant material through the Academy’s curriculum, which enables our students to apply this knowledge when taking the ACT,” Bowen noted. “Students also become more exposed to the ACT format through practice exams and review sessions.”
Bowen also expressed pride in the students’ work ethic and resolve that played in role in increased scores. “These elements really increase our student’s self confidence, which ultimately helps them have an increased positive experience with the ACT exams,” Bowen said. “This 2.5 point average increase in less than two years, really helps them increase their scholarship and college/university options. It’s not just about the score. It is really about the process and growth that a student is exposed to, teaching our students that if you work hard, if you put in the time, there will be a positive result.”
For more information, contact Corey Alderdice at 270-745-6565.
ACT, assessment, class of 2009, KDE, Kentucky, scores