In the past few years, LT’s test scores— Prairie State Achievement Exam and ACT—have consistently risen. Since 2007, LTs average ACT score has been around a 24, which is three points higher than the state’s and the national average. In addition to the rising scores, LT had two perfect ACT scores of 36, obtained by Madeline Bernstein ‘15 and Stephanie Lin ‘15.

“Overall, I think what we have been doing for the past five years through professional learning communities has been to determine what the essentials are of each course and make sure that those get taught as best as possible,” Director of Curriculum and Instruction Scott Eggerding said. “We align those essentials to the Common Core and some of the standardized tests like the ACT reading and math sections, so what we have been doing in the classes themselves is that we have gotten more focused.”

Prior to 2002, only students planning on going to college took the ACT. After that, everyone was obligated to take the test to demonstrate college readiness and reflect the school’s ability to prepare students for college. Then in 2010, there was a dip in the ACT average because students with special testing circumstances were added to the average, Eggerding said.

“I think LT test scores are on the rise because college applications have gotten more competitive,” Bernstein said. “Maybe this competitive atmosphere has resulted in more students taking advantage of the test prep resources LT provides, or maybe more students simply take the standardized tests more seriously. Either way, I believe that college entrance test scores reflect the attitude of the students, which is something that is hard for the school itself to control.”

Although the LTs average is about a 24, each year there are at least one or two perfect scores, Eggerding said. This year there were two. The most LT has ever received in a single year has been about five.

“I feel that LT does a good job preparing most students for the ACT by the content review incorporated into English, math and science classes the weeks leading to the test,” Bernstein said. “I think the amount of prep done in classes is effective.”

With the change from the PSAE to PARCC, LT will still provide a free ACT in March, paid for by the state, so LT will continue to prepare students the same way as in years past to be ready for the exam, Eggerding said.

“It is still very important that students take the ACT and the new PARCC test seriously,” Eggerding said. “My biggest worry by moving to a different test is that students may not take it as seriously.”