Early Red Oak ACT scores show improvement

 While it’s still very early in the school year, college entrance exam scores may actually be improving at Red Oak High School. 

After several years of ACT scores below the national average of 22, including a 19.7 last year, Red Oak students graduating in 2015 have so far averaged a 21.7.

Improvement was noted in all four testing categories, including English (1.7 points), Math (2.6), Reading (1.0) and Science (2.6).  

High School Guidance Counselor John Brabec is cautiously optimistic about the scores, which came from about 29 students. 

“With the data I have right now, it looks like we are making process,” Brabec told the school board at a meeting last week. “You never know. You get a couple students who score between 12-15, it hits us really hard and our score will go right back down.”

A second round of testing occurred Oct. 25 and Brabec said many of those students were taking the test for the first time. 

He said that will probably drive scores down, as students typically don’t do as well the first time they take the ACT. 

With test scores declining the last couple of years, the board and administration have tried different approaches, including offering a preparatory course last year and meeting with parents to discuss the importance of the test. 

High School Interim Principal Jeff Spotts said at the sparsely attended parents meeting they stressed the financial ramifications of the college entrance exam. 

“These scores are tied to high dollars these days, with the right grade points averages,” Spotts said. “There is incentive for parents to talk to their kids about the significance of improving their scores.”

 Spotts said there is also incentive for the student who wants to look at long term financial security. 

“One of the things you hate to see is a guy who is 43 years old and has $150K in student debt and you see that all around the country,” he said. 

Regarding the preparatory course offered, Brabec and Spotts would like to see it extended to a semester long course. While there wouldn’t be a credit associated with the class, they both agreed participation would increase. 

Also at the meeting, Washington Intermediate Principal Barb Sims updated the board on a new district- wide math committee charged with reviewing the districts curriculum in response to dropping math scores on the ACT. 

Sims said the group, which includes teachers from throughout the district, has met only once, but that was all she needed to determine the curriculum may need revising. 

The committee will continue to meet and will eventually come to the board with recommendations to improve the math scores.