AYP and ACT Scores Released

Published August 17, 2006

On Wednesday, the Tennessee Department of Education released the 2005-2006 ACT score results, and once again Williamson County students are scoring well above the state average. The 1,813 students who took the college preparatory test recorded an average composite score of 22.4. The statewide average composite is 20.7.

"I think this year's composite score is the highest its ever been," said Director of Schools Dr. Rebecca Sharber. "We've also tested more students than we ever have." Nearly 150 more students took the test this year than the past year.

The ACT is a curriculum based test of educational development in English, math, reading, and science which is designed to measure the skills needed for success in first year college coursework. Williamson County Schools requires all students to take the ACT in order to graduate.

Also on Wednesday, the state released its Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) results under No Child Left Behind. AYP takes into account graduation rates, as well as scores in math and reading. Three Williamson County Schools did not make AYP this year. Fairview, Franklin, and Middle College high schools on the "targeted" list because of their graduation rates.

"I don't think it's bad news...the majority of our schools are in good standing," said Sharber. "The three schools that didn't make AYP are working very hard. No principal wants to see this. They want every child to graduate."

Sharber also points out that Middle College High School was taken off the targeted list this year for its improved math scores, surpassing the federal 74 percent proficiency level.

The No Child Left Behind act aims to have 100 percent of U.S. students proficient in reading, language arts and math by 2014.