Average ACT scores for students in Floyd County Schools held in a steady range for 2009 while the number of students taking the test continues to rise.  ACT scores were released on Wednesday by the Georgia Department of Education.  Floyd County Schools composite scores are 19.9 at Armuchee High, 20.1 at Coosa High, 19.8 at Model High and 19.4 at Pepperell High.  The composite system score for 2009 is 19.8.  The ACT is a curriculum-based achievement test designed to measure college readiness and preparation. The ACT includes four separate exams in English, reading, mathematics and science. The highest possible score on the college admissions test is 36.  

Coosa High’s score is up from last year at 20.1 compared to 19.7 for 2008.  The scores for the other three high schools are down slightly from last year.  The average score for Armuchee dipped 0.1 from 20 in 2008; Model, 0.8 from 20.6 and Pepperell, 0.4 from 19.8.  Coosa High increased in all four subject levels for the 2009 test.  Coosa’s scores is up 0.2 in English and math; 0.7 in reading; and 0.6 in science.  Armuchee High saw an increase of 0.1 in math and reading while Pepperell scored a 0.3 increase in English.  “We would certainly like to see all of our schools increase scores every year, but with our increase in the number of students taking the test, holding steady this year is a positive sign,” stated Dr. Lynn Plunkett, superintendent of Floyd County Schools.

The number of test takers increased at all schools for this year with 61 testing for Armuchee, up from 60 last year; 78 at Coosa, up from 59 in 2008; 69 at Model, up from 55; and 78 at Pepperell, a slight increase from 76 last year.  System-wide there was an increase of 36 students taking the ACT in Floyd County in 2009.  Education research by the national testing services has found that a substantial increase in the participation percentage usually results in a corresponding decrease in score.   According to a report from the ACT, states that have adopted the test as a required assessment for 11th graders have seen their average ACT scores and college readiness levels drop initially as a result of the expanded pool of test-takers. ACT listed examples that included Kentucky’s average ACT composite score dropping 1.5 points from last year’s average, while Wyoming’s average score dropped 1.1 points compared to last year.  

“The ACT has not traditionally been a test of emphasis in this area so we have concentrated our efforts more on the SAT preparation,” stated Dr. Plunkett. “Our work with Cambridge Educational Services has been very successful as our SAT scores have been the highest in the history of the school system in the last few years.” Dr. Plunkett added,  “As a system, we will work with our high school principals to assess the ACT resources we provide our students to give them the best possible opportunity to be successful on both tests.”