This year's ACT test results for students at Collinsville High School were the best in the last 10 years, according to history teacher and School Improvement Chairman Kyle Gordon. The 407 students who took the test produced a composite score of 20.5 in English, reading, math and science, up .7 points from last year's score of 19.8.

The ACT is a college entrance exam taken with the Prairie State Achievement Exam by juniors in April. The PSAE is the Illinois standardized test that measures student progress in reading, math and science under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

"We are very proud that our students are performing better on standardized tests," Gordon said, in an email.

Gordon said the school has been focusing on preparing the students to take the ACT for the last four years. He said part of that focus includes administering "mini ACT-style practice tests" throughout the school year, requiring the 24-minute study hall period to concentrate strictly on academics and putting into place an incentive program for the juniors that are required to take the test.

Gordon also said that professional development and curriculum realignment has also played a role in the improved test scores.

"Our English and math departments have completely realigned their curriculum over the past two years," Gordon said. "And starting this year, the entire curriculum of every class taught at CHS will be realigned and mapped to state standards and the new national core standards as adopted by the state of Illinois."

Gordon said that while the school is pleased with its most recent achievement, test scores aren't the only indicator of student success.

"We still believe that our students are more than a test score," Gordon said. "We have a remarkable student body here at CHS and a wonderful teaching staff that cares for our students."

— Ramona C. Sanders