March 19, 2024

Of course we’re proud of Newton’s ACT scores

To the editor,

I read Sue Atkinson’s letter to the editor the Aug. 29 Newton Daily News with dismay. In her letter she stated that Newton was ignoring certain numbers in claiming Newton students’ excellence on ACT tests. She asks, “What is Newton bragging about? Bring on the numbers!”

I know that numbers don’t lie, but I look at her numbers in a different way. She remarks that 15 states beat Iowa in reading. I say that Iowa scored higher than 34 states in reading. Sue says that 21 states beat Iowa in math. I say that Iowa scored higher than 28 states in math. She says 13 states out-scored Iowa in science. I say that Iowa out-scored 36 states in science. She says 16 states beat Iowa in English. I say that Iowa beat 33 states in English.

I’m not saying that there is no room for improvement. Of course our schools can do better, as can even the very top-scoring schools in the nation. We should always be striving to improve our schools in every way possible.

But not be proud of our students? Not brag about them? Of course we are proud of our students! We have every right to brag about them! We will continue to be proud of our
students, our schools, our administrators and teachers, even as they constantly work to improve our educational system.

Sue listed many more numbers than I have shared here, and as I said earlier, numbers don’t lie. I don’t doubt the accuracy of her numbers. But I believe I have shown that even though improvement of scores is definitely worth striving for, Newton and the state of Iowa may very justifiably be proud.

Carry on students, teachers, administrators, school board members and all school personnel. Continue to strive for excellence, carry your heads high, and be proud!

Pamela Andrews

Newton