Gatton Academy Graduates Top State ACT Averages for Third Consecutive Year

Students at Western Kentucky University’s Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky outperformed their high school peers for the third consecutive year on the American College Test (ACT).

On Wednesday, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) announced the results for the recently graduated Class of 2010. Gatton Academy students outpaced their peers, receiving an average composite score of 31.0 out of 36 possible points on the exam — a score 11.6 points ahead of the statewide average.

As mandated by state law, all Kentucky public school juniors participate in the ACT, which assesses English, reading, mathematics and science and is scored on a scale of 1 to 36. Many college-bound senior take the test at least one more time during high school.

In the individual subjects, Gatton Academy graduates scored an average of 30.8 in English, 31.3 in mathematics, 31.1 in reading and 30.3 in science.

Academy administrators were pleased with the improvement in scores between since the class was admitted as sophomores in spring 2008. The average composite and math scores increased by 2.2 points.

The exceptional scores come as no surprise to Tim Gott, director of the Gatton Academy.

“It should come as no surprise that our students do well on the ACT since they were selected from among the top students in the state,” Gott said. “What pleases me most is the amount of growth from their sophomore year to their senior year.  Going from an average composite of 28.8 to 31.0 is a substantial jump.  This reveals the work ethic of the students and the rigor of our curriculum.”

Corey Alderdice, assistant director for admissions and public relations, added that Gatton Academy students showed strength not only in math but across the English and critical reasoning sections of the exam as well.

“Because the emphasis of the Gatton Academy is math and science, many individuals are surprised to learn our students are equally outstanding in the classroom in subjects across the academic spectrum,” Alderdice said. “Though our students intend to pursue advanced careers that require substantial study in math and science, we are pleased to know they are growing as problem-solvers and critical thinkers, skills that are crucial to a 21st century economy.”

Statewide, the 45,763 graduating seniors taking the exam received an average composite score of 19.4. In the individual subjects, students scored an average of 18.9 in English, 19.1 in mathematics, 19.7 in reading, and 19.5 in science.

Alderdice is also quick to share the success of Gatton Academy students on the test with their local sending districts. Students’ scores are included in the average of their local school on this and other required assessments, an important component in the shared relationship between the program and high schools from across the state.

“We hope to be viewed as an extension of every school and district in the state,” Alderdice said.  “The scores are only possible with the combined preparation students received from their home institutions and continued study at the Gatton Academy. We are excited that districts are partnering with us to provide appropriate challenges while helping students grow academically and socially.”

For information, contact Corey Alderdice at (270) 745-2971.

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