Clay County High School raised its average ACT score from 17.6 to 18.1, according to the latest results presented by school officials.
Principal Carl Ledbetter said the half-point increase followed a greater emphasis on ACT preparation. Ledbetter said the school did not reach its target average of 20, but the results offered encouraging signs about the effectiveness of its efforts.
“At the end of the day, we fell short,” Ledbetter said, “But if you really dive into the data and you see all the individual performances, I think it was a big success for the first time around. When we get to the spring, this junior class who has set a high bar, they’re gonna have to strive for a 22.”
Ledbetter said more than 21 of the 55 students tested improved their composite scores. Five students gained at least four points, including one student whose score increased from 23 to 27. He said the improvement could make a significant difference in college affordability.
“That’s thousands of dollars that we’re talking about,” Ledbetter said. “Thousands of dollars that she got more to her college.”
Ledbetter said science showed the greatest number of individual improvements, with 32 students raising their scores. He said one student gained nine points and another gained 10, crediting the results to the preparation taking place in classrooms.
“And that’s a testament to not only the kids, but the teachers who spent endless hours in ACT prep with science,” Ledbetter said. “It’s just absolutely incredible to see that.”
Ledbetter said 31 students improved their English scores, while 24 made gains in reading and 16 improved in math. He said the subject-by-subject results provided another way to measure student progress beyond the school’s overall average.
Ledbetter said the higher target for the junior class of 22 reflects his intention to build on the progress already made rather than settle for the original goal of 20.
