Geneva ACT Scores Go Up, Bucking State, National Trend

While ACT scores for the state of Illinois slid significantly, scores actually went up year-over-year in Geneva.

Geneva High School’s graduating class of 2013 achieved an average ACT composite score of 24.6, according to numbers released Wednesday by ACT. The average composite ACT score for 2013 graduates statewide is 20.6. The nationwide composite score is 20.9.

“We are very proud of our students for all their hard work and achieving these high scores,” said Superintendent Dr. Kent Mutchler. “We are also very thankful to our staff, parents, and community for the value they place on education in Geneva and for their continuous support of our students to help each and every one succeed.” 

District 304 has seen an impressive 2.3-point increase in composite score in the last decade — from 22.3 in 2004 to 24.6 in 2013.

This is in spite of drops overall nationwide. InsideHigherEd.com says the 2013 ACT scores are the lowest they’ve been in five years, with the biggest drops occurring in the English and reading sections.

The ACT is a college-readiness exam given to every Illinois high school student as part of the Prairie State Achievement Exam, regardless of post-high school plans. The ACT test is graded on a 36-point scale.

One of the reasons for the statewide drop is that Illinois is among nine states nationwide that test all students. Illinois was second among those nine states.

Students with learning disabilities, for example, are allowed to take more time than other students, but their scores are reported among the totals. The average score for a student taking extra time is 16, the Chicago Tribune reports.

SOURCES: School District 304, the Chicago Tribune, InsideHigherEd.com