For Immediate Release:   August 26, 2011

 

       ACT Scores for BPS Above State Average in Each Area

Viera, Florida – Thousands of Brevard County parents recently saw some of the most important figures released every year from local school districts: average ACT college entrance exam scores; and Brevard Public Schools (BPS) students once again surpass state averages in each area tested.

Every year ACT results are reported for all graduating seniors who took the ACT college-entrance assessment at any time during grades 9-12. For students who took the test more than once, only the highest scores were included. Brevard’s results include the scores of all 11^th grade students who took the ACT as a part of Brevard’s Secondary Schools of National Prominence (SSNP) initiative in 2010. Brevard is the only district in Florida whose results reflect the performance of essentially every graduating student in the district rather than just those who chose to take the ACT for college-admissions or as a concordant score to the FCAT. With the inclusion of the 11^th grade scores, the number of students tested jumped from 2607 in 2009 to 4609 in 2011. Even with the inclusion of all students, Brevard’s mean composite ACT score was 1.1 points higher than the state average and 0.4 points lower from the national average.

“The fact that essentially all of our students take the ACT and still outperform primarily college-bound students in the rest of the state is a tremendous accomplishment,” said Brian T. Binggeli, BPS Superintendent. “It is a testimonial to the work of our teachers and parents and the effort put forth by our students as they pursue rigorous academic challenges.”

Compared to 2010, Brevard’s 2011 average scores improved on all subtests except Reading, which remained the same. The state averages improved in all areas except Science, which remained the same. National averages improved in English, Math and composite score, and remained the same in Reading and Science.

What is the purpose of the ACT?

The ACT serves two purposes for Florida students.  First, ACT is a college admissions test; second, it may be used as an alternate score to the FCAT to meet graduation requirements.  According to Florida Statute, students who did not pass either the math or reading section of the tenth grade FCAT have the option of substituting a passing score on the ACT.

Why BPS tests ALL students as part of the SSNP Initiative

 Brevard tests all 11^th grade students as part of the Secondary Schools of National Prominence (SSNP) initiative so students can be college and career ready. This allows guidance counselors to adjust their senior year class plans to meet individual needs. BPS uses the test information to encourage students to take advanced courses because of demonstrated capability or to select courses to address academic areas of weakness.

What do high ACT scores mean for Brevard’s community?

High ACT scores help protect housing values because people are more likely to move into high-quality school districts and to pay more for homes there. Usually, that means in suburban areas.  Higher scores also mean children are attending schools that offer a more rigorous learning environment, better prepping them to get into colleges that use ACT scores for admittance and scholarships.

 

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