Klein ISD students excel on ACT exam in 2012

A record number of Klein Independent School District graduating students took, and excelled at, the ACT college entrance exam this year.

The Klein ISD graduating class of 2012 had 77 more students, for a total of 858, who chose to take the ACT than did the previous class. With a composite score for the district of 22.9, it has surpassed the state mark by 2.1 points and the national average by 1.8, according to a press release from the school district. Additionally, Klein ISD students exceeded state scores in English, math, reading and science by at least two points.

"The district's yearlong benchmark tests play a huge part in preparing Klein ISD students for the ACT," said Cynthia Galindo, instructional officer for advanced academic services, in the press release. "The district's common assessments give all students an opportunity to practice timed tests in each content area, and at a similar level of difficulty as the ACT."

According to the ACT, a benchmark score indicates whether or not a student has a better than average chance of making a C or higher in corresponding college courses. Klein students recorded double-digit percentage points ahead of the state benchmark scores in all categories on average, making them more prepared for college than previous Klein graduates, the release said.

"Along with practicing test strategies with the benchmark assessments, preparation for the ACT is part of daily instruction through constant vocabulary building and reading challenging text," said Susan Borg, associate superintendent for instruction and student services, in the release.

Klein ISD also provides high school students with opportunities to enroll in test-specific workshops throughout the school year, according to Borg. Workshops are offered by both the ZAPs Learning Company and the Sycamore Learning Company.

In July 2013, the Klein ISD will host its first summer college readiness camp with sessions targeting ACT content, the nuances of both the SAT and ACT exams and test-taking strategies for the ACTs, Advanced Placements, PSATs and SATs.

For more information visit the district's curriculum instruction website, visit kleinisd.net.