Johnson City Schools is leading the region in ACT composite score as the class of 2019 had an average composite score of 22.7, according to Tennessee Department of Education data that was released earlier this week.
The composite score gives Johnson City Schools the distinction of being one of eight districts in Tennessee to score above a 22 on the college aptitude test. The score is higher than the state average of 20, and is an increase from the 2018 composite score of 22.3.
In all, 97 percent of the Class of 2019 took the ACT test with 62.2 percent scoring above a 21, which qualifies them for the Tennessee Hope Scholarship.
“We are encouraged by the ACT results released earlier this week,” Science Hill principal Todd Barnett said. “The increase demonstrates to both our staff and students that our goal of a 23 composite score is attainable. Additionally, we’re encouraged that the percentage of students demonstrating college readiness continues to improve, and has significantly improved among select subgroup populations.
“While we’re excited to see these significant performance improvements, our staff is also very aware there is much more work to be done and we are committed to helping put all our students in the best possible position to reach their academic potential.”
Johnson City Schools saw improvements in all subject areas, but most noticeably there was an increase in the scores of Black or African-American students as the percentage scoring a 21 or higher increased to 49 percent, compared to 20 percent in 2018. Also, the reading composite for the increased to 23.5 compared to last year’s 22.7.
“The increase in scores that we have seen is exciting for Science Hill students, especially as we have seen increases for all of our student subgroups and continue to far outpace state averages,” said Johnson City Schools Supervisor of Secondary and Instructional Technology Dr. David Timbs. “This year, the administration and staff remains focused on ensuring that all of our students have multiple opportunities to experience success at Science Hill.”
The continued improvements are welcomed news to Johnson City Schools’ administration as they continue their efforts to support all students.
“Science Hill High School continues to focus on support for all of our students when looking at EPSOs (Early Post-Secondary Opportunities) and ACT is an important part of that initiative,” Timbs said. “We have added, through Canvas, a voluntary online ACT prep course for all students that they can complete at their own pace and we have revamped the ACT prep courses offered during the school day, as well as the Saturday review sessions, offered by two of our teachers.”
