District 211 ACT scores continue to surpass state and national averages

High School District 211 scores on the American College Test (ACT) college entrance examination were above the state and national composites once again this year.

District 211 Class of 2007 students who took the ACT had a composite of 22.3 (it is important to note that these are not 2007 Prairie State Achievement Exam ACT results, rather final ACT data for those students who graduated in June 2007).  The District composite score also is higher than the state composite of 20.5 and the national composite of 21.2 (Illinois and Colorado are the only states which tests all junior students; all junior students in Illinois are required to take the ACT as part of the P.S.A.E.).

As part of a strategy aimed at improving student achievement both in the classroom and on the P.S.A.E., District 211 has implemented more than 100 academic initiatives during the past two school years, each focused on addressing specific student needs.  The Board of Education also adopted a plan four years ago to administer the EXPLORE and PLAN tests as part of the district’s regular student assessment program.  Both tests are similar in many ways to the ACT test, in that each contains separate sub-tests in reading, English skills, mathematics, and scientific reasoning.  The EXPLORE test is administered to 8th grade students as a placement test, while the PLAN test is given in fall of 10th grade.  The benefits of this assessment program include early and ongoing identification of academic strengths and needs, greater parent involvement in educational issues, and an earlier career and needs assessment.

For additional information concerning District 211 ACT testing, please contact Lisa Small, director of instructional improvement, at (847) 755-6628.