Geneva, Kaneland ACT scores up

ACT scores have gone up at Geneva and Kaneland high schools, according to figures released this week by the company that conducts the college-readiness examinations.

Students in Geneva's Class of 2010 reached a composite score of 24.2, a half point better than the previous class' 23.7. It is the first time in five years a Geneva class broke 24 on the test.

At Kaneland, the composite score was 21.3 for 2010, up from 20.9 in 2009 and 21.1 and 2008. The 2007 class also scored a 21.3, while students posted a score of 20.7 in 2006.

While happy with the improvement, Kaneland Superintendent Jeff Schuler noted that the score on the mathematics portion of the test did not increase as much as the district targeted in its high school improvement plan.

"We would like to see a more significant jump in the scores and will revisit our improvement strategies with that end in mind," Schuler said.

Geneva Superintendent Kent Mutchler praised students, and two groups that had a hand in their success.

"We are also very thankful to our staff and parents for the value that they place on education in Geneva and for their caring work to help our students succeed," he said in a prepared statement.

The ACT is given to every Illinois high school student as part of the Prairie State Achievement exam. It tests students in English, mathematics, reading and science. The composite score reflects the scores of all members of the class who took the test as sophomores, juniors and seniors.

Batavia School District 101 officials could not be reached Wednesday to release Batavia High School's score. West Aurora District 129's scores were not available yet, according to its spokesman.