College-Readiness Indicators Show Exceptional Quality of Plano ISD's Preparatory Programs

September 16, 2009

Plano ISD students' SAT and ACT scores increased again this year and continue to far exceed state and national averages, according to a report presented at this week's school board work session by Paul Weaver, director of counseling and guidance. Read the full report. (100k).

Grads

"In addition to exceptional college entrance exam scores, a significant number of Plano ISD students are challenging themselves by taking Advanced Placement courses and participating in the International Baccalaureate program, and concurrent enrollment.," noted Mr. Weaver.

PESH Grad "The results on this report are the envy of any school district," said Board Secretary Missy Bender. "The practical arrangement of these
nationally accepted college readiness measures and the impressive accomplishments of our students make this a very valuable tool for the district."

"These statistics indicate a strong dedication of our teachers and counselors to work diligently to get more students enrolled and involved in honors and advanced courses," reported Mr. Weaver.

2008-2009 College Readiness Indicators

SAT & ACT Scores

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and American College Test (ACT) scores continue to go up and far exceed state and national averages in reading, math and writing.
The SAT composite score (reading and math only) is 1165, a 9 point increase over the 2008 composite score. The statewide composite score is 985, a decrease from the 986 composite in 2008. The national composite score is 1006, a one point decrease as compared to 2008.
ACT scores increased in all subjects - English, math, reading and science reasoning. The ACT composite score also increased from 25.2 to 25.5 from 2008 to 2009. This compares to the statewide composite score of 20.8 and a national composite score of 21.1. "It is great news that 1,446 Plano ISD students took the ACT this year as compared to 1,379 last year," said Mr. Weaver.
91 percent of ACT-tested students who are ready for college-level English coursework. "If you make an 18 or higher on the English/language arts test, you are considered to have a 50% chance of getting a "B" or a 75% chance of getting a "C" in a college English class. "Our students are highly prepared for college level work," reported Mr. Weaver.

Advanced Placement Enrollment & Scores

7,513 Advanced Placement exams were administered to students at Plano ISD's three senior high schools in 2009. While the number is slightly less than in 2008, Mr. Weaver pointed out that this may be an indication that more students are enrolled in concurrent college courses.
With 3,911 students taking AP tests for college credit, Plano ISD's AP program is one of the largest in the nation.
80% of AP test scores at the senior high schools were 3 or higher.
AP test-takers at the high school level (grades 9-10) increased to 1,109 in 2009 from 1,082 in 2008, while the number of tests taken increased from 1,150 to 1,192.
At the high school level, 64% of students scored a 3 or higher on AP tests. "In alignment with district goals, Plano ISD has opened the door for many more students to take AP and honors courses," noted Mr. Weaver. "For many of these students, 2009 was the first year they took an AP test, and it's definitely the first year for ninth graders."
Middle School AP Spanish testing resulted in 80% of student scores rating a 3 or higher. "This is unbelievable that these young students will begin ninth grade with 4 high school Spanish credits," said Mr. Weaver.

PWSH Grads

International Baccalaureate Program

In 2009, Plano ISD boasted 68 full diploma candidates through its International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
44 IB diplomas were awarded in 2009.

Concurrent College Enrollment

Since fall, 2007, when Plano ISD initiated the concurrent college enrollment program with Collin College, the number of students enrolled has nearly doubled from 374 to 701. "This is a strong indication of the success of the program and our students' post-secondary readiness," noted Mr. Weaver.
Students earned concurrent enrollment through Collin College in the following courses: US History, Government, Economics and English IV.