DesotoExplorer.com / ACT score boost result of setting higher standards

Archive for Thursday, August 21, 2008

August 21, 2008

De Soto High School last week announced its average ACT composite scores once again surpassed the previous year's scores, as well as being above the state and national average.

Principal David Morford attributed the school's ability to raise its average composite scores to its academic rigor.

Teachers and administrative staff should be commended for their hard work with these students. Providing challenging course work that will prepare students for college is no easy task.

In-depth essays and assignments take time to develop and later properly evaluate. Teachers could choose to take an easier route, assigning only the minimum requirements of their students.

It is apparent that De Soto teachers do not, and instead take pride in readying their students for success in higher education.

Morford also attributed the schools success with ACT scores to the school's availability of ACT prep courses.

Teachers voluntarily stay after school for fall and spring sessions in order to best prepare their students for what they will see on the test.

Committing extra time to ensure a student's success is the epitome of a great teacher.

Although teachers have helped push the students and ready them for success, it is a student's responsibility alone to take it upon himself to do well on such a test. So we must not forget to commend the student dedication to academics that we continue to see at De Soto High School.

Let's hope this success reflects in the schools performance results on state assessment tests and next year's ACT scores.