The ACT, Readiness for College-Level Coursework, and Bios Christian Academy

We make known on our website and in this Update the excellent scores earned by the students who graduate from Bios Christian Academy on their ACT and SAT scores as a group. But we have not really discussed the results of the ACT-tested students who are ready for college-level coursework. Well, the results for last year have just arrived (Monday). While we look really good, there is still room for improvement.

Along with the school results on the ACT the following paragraph was provided to explain the information presented.

"Are Your Students Ready for College? While students will pursue a variety of paths after high school, all students should be prepared for college and work.  Through collaborative research with postsecondary institutions nationwide, ACT has updated the following as college readiness benchmark scores for designated college courses:

·         English Composition: 18 on ACT English Test

·         Algebra: 22 on ACT Mathematics Test

·         Social Science: 22 on ACT Reading Test

·         Biology: 23 on ACT Science Test

A benchmark score is the minimum score needed on an ACT subject-area test to indicate 50% chance of obtaining a B or higher or about a 75% chance of obtaining a C or higher in the corresponding credit-bearing college course."

Now for the results.

Percent of ACT-Tested Students Ready for College-Level Coursework

·         College English Composition: Bios 100% Arizona 53%

·         College Algebra: Bios 60% Arizona 38%

·         College Biology: Bios 60% Arizona 28%

The percentages above are the results of the much higher than average ACT scores achieved through the hard work of the students, teachers, and parents. Those high math and science scores result in over 70% of our graduates entering college with science or math related majors. If you want to have students desire the higher paying and in-demand occupations, then you give them the skills and confidence to make those choices. That is one of the many things we do really well.

Three Year Average ACT Scores at Bios Christian Academy Compared to Arizona Average ACT Student Scores 2012

·         English: Bios 25.6; Arizona 18.5

·         Mathematics: Bios 27.1; Arizona 20.3

·         Reading: Bios 25.8; Arizona 19.6

·         Science: Bios 25.1; Arizona 19.4

·         Composite: Bios 26; Arizona 19.6

In comparison to the average scores of our state, the Bios Christian Academy students, on average, earn significantly higher ACT scores than their fellow Arizona students. These much higher scores allow for more school, scholarship, and career choices. Of last year’s graduates, over 80% earned at least 80 % of their college tuition through scholarships.

And this year we are adding weekly test prep groups for our junior and senior classes to improve these scores even more. These groups led by Mrs. Greene will teach, test taking skills, provide structured practice routine to prepare for the ACT/SAT tests, and four mock testing sessions that imitate the real test.

Through prayer and hard work, Bios Christian Academy students continuously prepare to get ready for life after Bios.