Clay County Schools increased the percentage of students meeting the ACT benchmark score by over 12 percent.
Board of Education Chairman Benji Bailey said the program has been something the board has worked on for many years. Bailey said the students taking the test did their part, understanding the importance of the test and doing the best they could on the material presented to them.
“At the end of the day, it’s a huge group effort to support the students I know we’re on the ACT but on everything they do,” Bailey said. “It’s a large group effort to achieve the success that we did with the ACT program.”
The state this week recognized Clay County for its growth. Bailey said ACT scoring provides many opportunities for high school students after graduation. Bailey said improving test scores helps those looking to pursue further education.
Bailey said students have a chance to access more scholarship opportunities with a higher score. Bailey said this helps parents, students and the schools.
“It is something the school system and the parents and the children and everybody sees the importance of because it really impacts the next few years of a child’s life when approached in the appropriate manner,” Bailey said.
Bailey said ACT success begins with the students, from freshman to senior year. Bailey said students take practice exams throughout their high school career to prepare for the ACT. Bailey said every educator and administrator in the high school takes part in this process.
“Ultimately the direction there starts at the top with our Director,” Bailey said. “So again, everybody from our system in some form or fashion will be involved in this because it is deemed a priority, or identified as a priority from our administration.”
Bailey said the school has programs in place to help students prepare for the test, giving them tips and tricks before testing season arrives.