NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) -
Scores for Metro Nashville students on the ACT college and career readiness exam were lower than the state average, and the district is now embarking on an intensive program to turn them around.
The state's average ACT score is 19.7, which places Tennessee among the lowest in the nation, but Metro's average score was even lower at 18.4. While that is a gain on its previous average, district leaders are still not satisfied.
Hillwood High School junior DeMarcus Watts knows how important it is for him to do well on the ACT.
"Being prepared for the ACT is very important, because colleges nowadays are more focused on the ACT than the GPA. So, very high scores will get you into a great college and a great future," Watts said.
Hillwood was one of three schools to receive a grant last year designed to bring up those scores. From learning ACT vocabulary to improving literacy, it worked for many students.
"I think it's helped a lot. When I first took it, I made a 22. I've been taking practices and made a 29," said Hillwood senior Cody Walton.
Metro high schools have increased their average ACT score, but it remains below the state and national average. Now, Hillwood's ACT program is going to spread out to all Metro high schools in an effort to keep increasing scores.
"That plan basically constitutes professional development for teachers to embed ACT standards in the content class," said Aimee Wyatt, with Metro Schools.
High school students in all grades will be exposed to ACT concepts, and the schools will also have students take older versions of the test as practice.
"We think with a full-on program that we're rolling out that we will see some larger gains this year," Wyatt said.
Many Hillwood students said they feel extremely prepared for the tests and think it's a good idea to share their program's success with other schools.
"I feel as if, in order to get to a great college, you need to make a wonderful ACT score. And college is something I'm passionate about," said Hillwood senior Da'Sean Hancock.
In addition to all of the ACT preparations woven into the school day, all Metro high schools will also offer ACT prep courses on Saturdays or during intercessions this school year.
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