The 'Eagle Times' Student Newspaper

2004 seniors break school record on ACTs

By Calla Mounkes

August 31, 2004

In order to stand out to college officials, many high school students strive to perform well on the ACT.

Last year's seniors at Silver Lake High School did just that. They produced the highest ACT composite scores in SLHS history. The seniors also achieved the highest scores in Shawnee County this year.

The school's composite ACT score was 23.4 compared to a state composite of 21.6 and a national compiled score of 20.9. The local participants achieved the highest individual subject score in reading: a score of 24.8.

Although the responsibility for readying themselves lies mostly on the seniors, preparation for these vital tests begins in their sophomore year when they partake in the PLAN tests. These tests are a prelude to the ACTs, principal Larry Winter explained.

"When the sophomores take the PLAN test it gives them a projection of where they think their ACT score will be and make suggestions to them about courses they may want to take between now and when they actually take the ACT to help them better prepare for it," Winter said.

The teachers also know the recommended college preparatory courses and advise the students on which classes to take and what information to focus on for the impending tests. Students who completed these recommended classes typically do significantly better than the students who did not.

The previous year's ACT scores and the students' promising futures satisfy superintendent Dr. Steven Pegram.

"I am very proud of the accomplishments of the students who took the ACT test. I believe the students' success is a genuine reflection of the efforts put forth by the students and professional staff," Pegram commented.