CHS Matches Highest ACT Average In Years!

I've had the chance to look at the ACT scores of our 2013 graduates which was recently released. I probably should not say that I was surprised ... but I was surprised when I saw our highest ACT Composite average in many years!

When looking at this data, an important piece to interpret is the number (or percent) of graduates who have taken an ACT. Nebraska ranks very high with typically around 75% (last year an amazing 84%) of graduates that have taken an ACT compared to Eastern states that might have as few as 10-30%.  As you can imagine, if a school (or state) has, say 50% of graduates take the ACT, chances are that they are high performing students. Whereas a state like Colorado, that is one of several states where 100% of graduates take the ACT, will typically have a lower overall average.

With that said, Chadron High School consistently has 90-95% of graduating seniors that have voluntarily taken the ACT.  This past year was no different. Here's a summary of our data with comparisons to trends from past years that I've managed to find.

2013 National Average:    20.9
2013 Nebraska Average:   21.5
2013 Chadron Average:  22.7

Chadron High School Historical Trend of ACT Composite Averages

• 2013   22.7
• 2012   21.4
• 2011   21.9
• 2010   22.8
• 2009   20.6
• 2008   21.3
• 2007   20.6
• 2006   21.9
• 2005   20.2
• 2004   21.5
• 2003   21.0
• 2002   22.3

This year, ACT has updated the 'college readiness benchmark scores', making minor changes to the English and Science benchmarks. Benchmark scores are set through collaborative research with postsecondary institutions nationwide to show student readiness for college-level coursework.

Percent Of Students Meeting All Four Benchmarks (English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science):

• CHS   36%
• State   28%

As you can imagine, we are very proud of the academic achievements we have been maintaining. We strive each year to improve our system approach to student learning beginning in elementary grades all the way through our high school classrooms.

A special thanks to all of our teachers and students for their efforts!!!

For parents or students specifically interested in ACT preparation, I'd encourage you to visit with our guidance office for materials and to utilize some of the many online test prep materials including the ACT Online Prep.