LTHS standardized test results stand shoulders above state, nation

Advanced Placement

For the sixth consecutive year, more students took Advanced Placement (AP) tests and more AP tests were administered in 2015 than in any time in LT history. Since 1998, LT has more than quadrupled the number of students taking AP exams and the number of AP exams taken. Almost half of the graduating class of 2015 took at least one AP test and scored a 3 or higher.

In total, 990 students took 2273 AP exams last year. Twenty-eight percent of the AP tests taken earned a 5 and 61% of tests taken scored a 4 or above. In addition, 88% of tests scored a 3 or higher. Despite 625 more tests being taken, the percentage of students scoring a 3 or higher was only slightly lower than last year by just 5%, which proves that increased access can still deliver solid results.

AP tests in senior year English Language and Physics 1 increased dramatically last spring. Eliminating the Accelerated level for those classes and encouraging students to take the AP level was hugely successful. In total, 67% of 12th grade English Literature tests and 78% of Physics 1 tests earned a 3.

Director of Curriculum and Instruction Scott Eggerding said, “The District is committed to encouraging students to access the AP curriculum. Even as the amount of tests administered climbs, the percent of tests earning passing scores remains relatively 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.

ALL AP GRADES (2015)

Students Tested = 990

# of Tests = 2273

5 = 629

4 = 751

3 = 623

2 = 244

1 = 26

LT 3 or Above = 88%

LT 4 or Above = 61%

LT 5 = 28%

ACT

The Class of 2015 set two records: the highest ACT score and the most number of ACT test takers in the school’s history. In addition, LT students continue to outpace state and national averages when it comes to ACT scores. The Class of 2015 composite ACT score came in at 24.3, the school’s all-time high score, beating the state average of 20.7 and the national average of 21.0. In addition, LT tested a total of 991 students, the highest number ever.

The results in math, reading and science scored at all-time school highs, outscoring all past sub-scores since 2005. English sub-scores missed an all-time high by two-tenths of a point.

Math 24.7

Reading 24.3

Science 23.9

English 23.9

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.

Superintendent Timothy Kilrea, Ed.D., said, “High expectations and rigorous standards across the entire curriculum continue to prepare LT students for college and beyond. Our students and staff should be proud of their efforts and their continued level of success on the ACT.”

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, while nationwide the SAT is at its lowest level on record. LT’s 2015 senior SAT composite score of 1322, comprised of Critical Reading (647) and Math (757) and Writing (629) is the highest in LT history and more than 300 points higher than the national average.

SAT COMPOSITE RESULTS (2015)

Number Tested = 60

LTHS = 1322

National = 1006

Math = 675

Reading = 647

Writing = 629

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.”