NISD takes action to increase scores on college entrance exams
NISD Communications Department
September 5, 2006
Northside ISD is ramping up efforts this year to increase student scores on college entrance exams.
ACT scores released last month show Northside's Class of 2006 performed better than the state average in all subject areas. For the SAT, Northside reading scores are equal to the state average but below the state average in math and writing. However, Northside's math scores have increased 10 points in the last two years. This is the first year the writing portion of the exam was administered.
Starting this year, test preparation courses will be expanded at all campuses, and the District will pay for all sophomores will take the PSAT. In addition, every high school campus will have a college readiness technician to help students access test preparation materials and sign up for the SAT and ACT tests.
At the same time, school leaders are working to increase enrollment in Advanced Placement and honors class, so that students taking a more rigorous curriculum will be better prepared for the exams.
"We want to create more opportunities for the students to take the test and to do well on the test," said Sara McAndrew, executive director of secondary instruction. "We are designing strategies to achieve those ends."
"We've made some gains in the SAT and ACT math scores in the last two years and we feel very good about that," McAndrew said.
About 52 percent of NISD's class of 2006, or 2,331 students, took the SAT compared to about 48 percent of all students nationwide.
Patty Hill, principal at Warren High School, said improved SAT and ACT scores is a top priority for her students, and the addition of the school's college readiness technician will play a key role. Students can visit the readiness center before, during and after school, Hill said.
"That person is crucial," she said. "They have excellent knowledge of the resources available to kids and they know how to cut through red tape."
And like other high schools in the District, Warren will administer previously released PSAT tests to freshman for practice.
"They'll know what areas they need to work on, and when they take the test, they'll be more confident and relaxed," Hill said. "Higher scores will come if more students take prep classes and take advantage of resources."
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