LTHS Tests Shoulders Above Rest :::
Once again, Lyons Township High School test takers scored significantly above state and national averages on standardized tests: the ACT, the SAT, and Advanced Placement (AP) tests.
Repeat performance on AP scores
The performance of LT students on the Advanced Placement (AP) exams in 2010 mirrors
their performance in 2009, with the exception of a 1% increase in the percent of tests scored at a
3 or above. In the spring of 2010, students scored 3 or above on 92% of the AP tests taken. Scores
of 3 or higher are often granted college level credit by many colleges/ universities. This year,
more than one-third of the tests were scored at a 5, the highest possible score.
Since 2000, LT has more than doubled the number of students taking AP exams, doubled the number of tests taken, and tripled the number of tests scoring a 5, the highest possible grade. In 2010, 598 students took 1174 AP exams.
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.
Director of Curriculum and Instruction Scott Eggerding said, “LT’s AP Program is about quality, and our record is impressive. LT’s program is rooted in students being well prepared, with appropriate prerequisites and staff well versed in technique and articulation. LT students are equipped to succeed.”
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). Most of the nation's colleges and universities award credit and/or placement for grades of 3 or higher, and more than 1,300 institutions award one year of credit to students with a sufficient number of qualifying grades.
ACT
LT’s composite ACT score for the graduating class of 2010 is on par with the district’s
consecutive high-scoring marks. LT's composite of 23.8 is 3.1 points above the state average and
2.8 points above the national average. The 2010 score is the third highest ACT composite on
record.
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 soars above state, national averages
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 third highest SAT composite on record despite having 10 fewer test-takers
from 2009. LT's 2010 senior SAT composite score of 1286, comprised of Critical Reading (637) and
Math (649), is 101 points higher than that of the state and 269 points higher than the national
average. LT’s writing score of 635 is not part of its composite, yet sits well above the state mean
of 577. The number of students taking the SAT decreased from 88 to 78 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.”
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