LTHS standardized test results stand shoulders above state, nation

Advanced Placement
For the fifth consecutive year, more students took Advanced Placement (AP) tests and more AP tests were administered in 2014 than in any time in LT history. Since the 1998, LT has increased the number of AP exams taken by 3.5 times and the number of students taking AP exams has tripled since 1998, from 233 students in 1998 to 742 in 2014.

In total, 742 students took 1,648 AP exams last year. Thirty-seven percent of the AP tests taken earned a 5, 69% of tests taken scored a 4 or above and 93% of tests scored a 3 or higher.

Despite an increase in students and tests taken, the percentage of students scoring a 3 or higher is tied for the second highest ever in LT history, which proves that increased access can still deliver solid results. Director of Curriculum and Instruction Scott Eggerding said, “We continue to see a rise in the number students accessing LT’s AP Program and the rigors of college-level coursework. Even as the amount of tests administered climbs, the percent of tests earning passing scores remains constant, which is a testament to the quality or our program and impressive work of our students and teachers. LT students are equipped to succeed.”

Students that receive college credit as a result of the AP score have an opportunity to accelerate not only the pace at which they can take advanced courses but also may finish college early, potentially saving thousands of dollars in tuition.

AP exams were offered in 25 disciplines, each consisting of multiple-choice, essay, or problem-solving questions. AP exams are graded on a 1-5 point scale (5 is the highest). Many of the nation’s colleges and universities award credit and/or placement for grades of 3 or higher, and may award one year of credit to students with a sufficient number of qualifying grades.


ACT
The Class of 2014 composite ACT score of 23.9, which includes scores of students with extended time and other accommodations, is three-tenths of a point higher than last year’s composite score. Prior to 2013, ACT excluded the scores of students testing with extended time when calculating the average scores. As a result of this change, Illinois, LT and most schools experienced a decline in their average ACT score. Despite the change in calculation, LT’s composite score climbed to within .2 of LT’s highest mean score to date. LT’s 2014 composite score is 3.2 points higher than the average in Illinois and 2.9 points higher than the national average.

The Class of 2014 scores on subject subtests are well within the averages attained since 2008, matching or outscoring previous averages in English, math, reading and science. The class of 2014 matched the highest reading score to date, and outscored last year’s math and science subtests by .1 and .4 respectively. The Class of 2014 also earned an English subtest average identical to that earned by the Class of 2013, 3.1 points higher than the average in Illinois and the nation. It’s important to remember that 2014 scores are very similar to scores attained when only standard test-takers were included, whereas the Class of 2014 reflects all test-takers.

The ACT primarily serves as a measure of a student’s preparation for college coursework in the first year of college. ACT scores are curriculum-based achievement tests designed to assess critical reasoning and high-order thinking skills in English, mathematics, reading, and science. They reflect students’ skills and achievement as a result of their high school coursework. ACT scores are reported on a scale of 1-36.

SAT
The SAT consists of critical reading, math and writing tests. The exam is designed to test general reasoning abilities, to measure knowledge in specific content areas, and to test the ability to apply that knowledge.

LT students posted the highest SAT composite on record. LT’s 2014 senior SAT composite score of 1310, comprised of Critical Reading (643) and Math (667), is 95 points higher than that of the state and 300 points higher than the national average. LT’s writing score of 630 is not part of its composite, yet sits well above the state mean of 587. The number of students taking the SAT increased slightly from 64 to 68 students.

The district is committed to continuing this upward trend with its ongoing district-wide goal to increase opportunities for all students to maximize their performance on high stakes tests.
Superintendent Dr. Timothy Kilrea says, “LT’s challenge is to provide rigorous experiences for all students. We will continue to meet the needs of all students, intervene early when necessary and provide enrichment when appropriate so that all students reach their academic potential.” He adds, “It’s important to remember that standardized tests are snapshots of a student body and a school’s ability to perform. However, LT will continue to make sure scores reflect students’ abilities.”