ACT Scores At Cleveland High School Take A Big Jump

  • Thursday, August 25, 2016
David Gluckner, Engineering Teacher helps students Chris Smith, Kaleigh Snow, and Cameron Stepp with ACT preparation during the school’s new ‘CLIMB’ time
David Gluckner, Engineering Teacher helps students Chris Smith, Kaleigh Snow, and Cameron Stepp with ACT preparation during the school’s new ‘CLIMB’ time
Cleveland High School’s average ACT score is up to 19.9, a full point over last year’s mark and the school’s highest composite score in four years.  Principal Autumn O’Bryan congratulated her recently departed seniors, “Preparation for the ACT is one of the best things we can do for our students as they make post-secondary plans. The Class of 2016 continues to leave its mark by earning the highest ACT scores in recent years.” Combined with a recent release showing large upturns in the school’s AP scores, the district is celebrating as well.
“With 2015/16 state measures starting to come in, Cleveland High School is set to have one of its best years in recent memory.  Once graduation rate and EOC/TNReady test results are released in the near future, we’ll see just how good a year it may possibly be,” said Michael Kahrs, the district’s supervisor of Data & Assessment.
Director of Schools, Dr. Russell Dyer congratulated the entire school system, “It is evident that a rigorous curriculum is in place in Cleveland City Schools.  Educators in all grades should celebrate this ACT average since it takes a dedicated team from Kindergarten through Senior year to drive these high goals.  The future is bright for the City of Cleveland and its public school system."
 
One of the reasons for Cleveland High School’s success seems to be from its voluntary ACT Blitz program.  Students can sign up to attend two Saturday mornings prior to the state-wide ACT testing day; subject area teachers volunteer their time to come in for both an English day as well as a Math/Science day.  One of these volunteer teachers is Mrs. Linda Lemons, an English teacher at Cleveland High School.  “Students came to the Saturday sessions eager to strengthen their skills for ACT. They worked hard, and that hard work paid off,” bragged Lemons.
Preparation for the ACT at Cleveland High School isn’t just set aside for two Saturdays.  Officials say that a healthy dose of ACT content is woven into the school’s new ‘CLIMB’ period where enrichment activities take place for students without a need for remediation in other areas.  Sophomores are focusing on ACT English and Reading skills, while Juniors tackle Math and Science during the school’s new enrichment initiative.
 
With the state now ready to count a student’s ‘best’ score on the ACT in future averages, schools like Cleveland High School are placing even more emphasis on retake opportunities.  Seniors across the state are eligible to sign up for a free ACT retake on Oct. 22, this year.  Cleveland High School Counselors are set to take full advantage, going class to class to hand out vouchers and make sure students register online by the deadline.  Becky Guthrie, Senior Counselor, is glad to see the state coming on board with something she and her colleagues have promoted their entire careers.  “We encourage students to take the ACT multiple times, as research shows it usually results in better scores over time.  While we celebrate great news like today’s release of our state average, ultimately it’s about the student having more college options and scholarship opportunities that a higher ACT score brings.”
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