Page 120 - 2017academicreport

Table of Contents

ACT

Results and Findings
● Despite a general slight decrease in the percentage of students in the class of 2017 participating in the
ACT exam, the Pine-Richland participation rate remains strong at 56.2%. This trend in fewer students,
graduating in 2017, participating in the ACT exam is consistent at both the state and national levels. For
the first time, the composite score for males and females at Pine-Richland was equal (i.e., 25.2 points for
both) in 2017.

● For the past six years, Pine-Richland students have outperformed Pennsylvania and United States
students in all subject areas.

● The Composite, English, Reading, Math and Science mean scores for Pine-Richland students increased
slightly for the class of 2017.

● In 2017, male students at Pine-Richland scored higher than female students on the Science and Math
tests of the ACT. Female students at Pine Richland scored higher than male students on the English and
Reading tests of the ACT. However, the Composite mean score for both genders was identical.

Next Steps
● Explore opportunities to offer a face-to-face ACT preparation course for Pine-Richland students.
o Key Personnel: District Administrators; Directors of College and Career Planning
o Timeline: 12/1/2017 - 6/1/2018
o Major Action Steps: (1) Research providers of ACT preparation courses in the area; (2) Approach
potential partners and review history of pre-course and post-course assessment scores and discuss
experiences of previous customers; (3) Determine benefits and cost savings to Pine-Richland families if
course were to be offered; (4) Recommend provider and proposed costs to Academic Achievement or
Student Services Committee, as well as the School Board of Directors for consideration; (5) Implement
approved actions on determined timeline.

● Offer and communicate additional ACT online training opportunities, such as available services through
Naviance and potential other sources.
o Key Personnel: District Administrators; Director of College and Career Planning; Director of
Communications
o Timeline: 12/1/2017 - 6/1/2018
o Major Action Steps: (1) Evaluate ACT preparation courses online, particularly those offered through
open source free formats; (2) Compile a list of viable online opportunities for students, whose needs are
best met electronically in a flexible format; (3) Publish the resources on the website and send electronic
communications to families.

● Provide professional development to teachers about incorporating similarly formatted test questions into
their classes to help prepare students for the ACT.
o Key Personnel: School Counselors; District Administrators; Teachers
o Timeline: 12/1/2017 - 3/31/2018
o Major Action Steps: (1) Develop professional development presentation; (2) Present the information to
high school teachers; (3) Integrate the question format into unit assessments.

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