Pius X Sees Increase in ACT Scores
The ACT Organization recently released the test results for the class of 2015, showing that Pius X High School’s average composite score rose for the third straight year to 24.3. Over the past three years, the school’s average score has increased a half point, while the state average has hovered at 21.5. Ninety-three percent of the school’s most recent graduating class took the ACT.
The nationally administered achievement test is primarily taken by juniors and seniors. Many colleges use the results of the ACT for admissions decisions. The scores are also often considered by groups in determining scholarship awards. The test measures achievement in four subject areas: English, math, reading and science. A fifth component, writing, is optional for students.
The school’s Chief Administrative Officer, Father James Meysenburg, notes that the increase in average scores has come while the school’s population has increased by almost 10%. “We have always enjoyed a tradition of academic excellence,” said Meysenburg, “but what is most gratifying to me is that we continue to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student population.” He cited the fact that 26 students have individualized educational plans for a learning disability, with almost 70 students enrolled in the ABLE (Acquiring and Building Learning Excellence) program which is designed to help students who struggle find success in the classroom.
Principal Tom Korta attributes the school’s recent positive trend to teacher collaboration, a newly hired academic success coordinator, and an atmosphere of meeting the needs of all students. “Our teachers meet for 45 minutes every week to look at student data and see what they can do to improve learning outcomes,” stated Korta. “They look beyond the average scores to see what they can do to reach every student who enters their classroom.”
