DeRIDDER, La. - The Louisiana Department of Education released data for the 2018 cohort ACT composite scores showing Beauregard Parish, Louisiana, maintained a high standing among school districts statewide, according to Timothy J. Cooley, Beauregard Parish School Board Superintendent of Schools.
Beauregard students scored a 19.6 composite, the fourteenth highest composite score among the 71 school districts, parish and specialized combined, reported by the state. This score represents a one-tenth increase from the previous year's data.
The ACT consists of tests in English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning designed to measure the skills needed for success in the first year of college. The state accountability results for districts and individual schools include the ACT tests and are based on the scores of the graduating class of 2018, using the students' highest earned ACT composite on record.
"The ACT score is an important component of the accountability system overall," explained Cooley. "The ACT composite constitutes 25 percent of a high school's total performance score. In addition, the ACT is used for college entrance requirements, TOPS awards, and scholarships for seniors."
The DOE requires high school seniors to take the ACT at least once and provides a testing date in the spring each year for the test, which is paid for by the state. Students can choose to take the ACT at other times throughout their high school career. Additionally, students are also able to take the ACT WorkKeys tests and earn credit toward accountability measures and diploma endorsements by scoring a Sliver or above. Students must take the ACT at least once for their WorkKeys test scores to count.
"We will assess the data from the 2018 ACT test scores in an effort to help our students continue to be successful," said Cooley. "Every cohort is different, but our focus remains the same -- to provide our students with every opportunity for success."
Beauregard schools provide a variety of opportunities for students to prepare for the ACT. High school students can take a half-credit course focused on ACT preparation. Schools also provide concentrated pull-out times during the week where ACT preparation is scheduled. Edmentum, Study Island, and ACT Mastery are programs used to help students prepare for the test, and individual classroom teachers incorporate ACT preparation as part of classroom lessons.
"We are proud of the 2018 cohort for maintaining high achievement scores on the ACT," concluded Cooley. "We will continue to provide our high school students with opportunities to prepare them for success on this important assessment."
