Do Urban Student Require More?

While completing our agenda during our weekly administrative staff meeting, we entered into a healthy debate about ACT/SAT scores, standardized tests and G.P.A. During our discussion, a novice administrator asked the question, " Why is it the students can have a 3.5 G.P.A but they cannot pass our state test." I sat in dismay searching for the most diplomatic way to answer the question. The truth is, I have no diplomacy for this answer. Not making excuses for our students, but the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test is one of the most rigorous in the nation. Not having the data readily accessible to benchmark us against the rest of the nation I opted to look at average

ACT

/SAT scores by state. In doing so, I was pleased with the progress of our students. Do we have a long way to go, yes! But we have truly come a long way. Our action plan. Increase preparation style activities to help the students become more comfortable with the format of the SAT and ACT. Educate them on the value of the test for college entry and lastly, encourgae them not to settle for the 18 but continue to work towards the 24. Do they require more...ABSOLUTELY...but it's worth every moment.