Cherokee School District Sees Slight Increase In ACT Scores

CANTON, GA -- Data released Thursday by the Georgia Department of Education shows the Cherokee County School District remains consistent in preparing its students for college success. Scores released show the district's Class of 2017 exceeded previous record high averages on the challenging ACT college entrance and placement examination, the system noted.

The students’ performance on the test also continues to top national and state averages, the district added.

“Our mission is to ‘educate the emerging generation’ in preparation for the challenges of higher education and the workplace, and these results show our community that our teachers are achieving that goal,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian Hightower said. “We are so proud of these students and their teachers, and we are so grateful for the leadership of our school board and the support of our community that enables us to continuously exceed expectations.”

The CCSD average ACT composite score on the curriculum-based test is 23.2, rising from 23.1 last year and from 20.8 over the past decade; the state average increased to 21.4 (now ranked as the fifth in the U.S. among states that test at least half their students), and the national average climbed to 21. Students earn a score on a scale of 1 to 36; the ACT is taken in lieu of or along with the SAT. Class of 2017 SAT scores are expected to be released later this month (SIGN UP: Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app).

All but two schools -- Etowah and River Ridge -- saw slight increases in their composite scores from 2016 to 2017, as shown in the chart below:

The Cherokee County Class of 2017 earned the system’s highest-ever scores across all subjects: Reading (24), English (22.9), Math (22.3) and Science (23) – and all of these subject scores exceed state and national averages. The number of seniors taking the ACT also climbed to 1,688, up from 1,623 the previous year.

When CCSD students enter college, according to state data, they also are more prepared than their peers, as 91.5 percent of graduates who enroll in a state college or university don’t need a single remedial class, the district added.

School and individual student ACT results are closely reviewed by principals and their leadership and data-management teams to develop instructional improvement plans. Counselors also use the data to refine recommendations as to which entrance exams best position individual students for college admission and scholarship success. The ACT will be administered in CCSD this year on Sept. 9, Oct. 28, Dec. 9 and Feb. 10, 2018.

“While we celebrate these results, we remain focused on ensuring every student receives the best education possible and fulfilling the responsibility entrusted to us by their parents,” Hightower added. “Our country’s public schools provide a vital service to 51 million students and their families, and I believe there’s no greater public school system in our country than the one we have here in our community. We care about your children. We care about your children’s future. We care about your children’s future success.”

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