The scores are in — from the most recent PLAN test, that is — and show that Newton Senior High School sophomores have once again outperformed the national averages in the academic areas of English, mathematics, reading and science.
“This is basically a predictor, or a pre-ACT,” NHS principal Bill Peters said.
According to www.act.org/plan/, "The PLAN program ... provides information needed to address school districts' high-priority issues. It is a comprehensive guidance resource that helps students measure their current academic development, explore career/training options, and make plans for the remaining years of high school and post-graduation years."
The PLAN test is for all 10th grade students interested in planning their futures after high school, whether they are college- or workforce-bound. NHS 10th graders took the test in October.
According to data from the NHS guidance office, the 2011-2012 sophomore class scored an average of 18.7 in English, 19.3 in math, 19.1 in reading and 20.4 in science. The national averages in those areas are 16.2, 17.6, 16.7 and 17.8, respectively. This year also marks the second consecutive year the test-taking sophomores improved scores in every area of study when compared to the previous year’s sophomore class.
“We’re really excited about the great work our kids are doing,” Peters said. “These kids have shown great growth over the last year. We’re second in the country (with average ACT scores), and this is definitely a good indicator of their success.”