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

October 20, 2010

Plano ISD students' SAT and ACT scores far exceeded state and national averages in 2010, according to a report presented by Paul Weaver, director of counseling and guidance, at the school board's October 19 work session. Read the report. (220k).

"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 dual enrollment," noted Mr. Weaver. "These statistics indicate the strong dedication of our teachers, counselors and administration to work diligently to get more students enrolled and involved in honors and advanced courses."

2009-2010 College Readiness Indicators

Increased numbers of Plano ISD students took the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and American College Test (ACT), and many of the average scores on those exams continue to increase, and all average scores of Plano ISD student test-takers far exceed state and national averages on these college entrance exams.

Scholastic Aptitude Test Results

• 2,337 Plano ISD students took the SAT in 2010 as compared to 2,119 students in 2009.
• Plano ISD students' average scores far exceed those of students across the state and nation on all three tests, including critical reading, math and writing.
• The SAT critical reading score of 556 compares to 481 at the state level and 498 for the nation's students. The SAT math average score was 595 for Plano ISD students and 504 and 511, respectively, for students in Texas and the nation. SAT writing average scores were 545 for Plano ISD students and 469 and 488 across the state and nation, respectively.
  

American College Test Results

• 1,643 Plano ISD students took the ACT exam this year as compared to 1,446 last year. The composite score of 25.7 earned by Plano ISD students far exceeded that of students across the state (20.8) and nation (21).
• The ACT English score of Plano ISD students held steady at 25.1 compared to last year. Scores of students across Texas and the nation on the English exam were 19.7 and 20.5, respectively.
• Plano ISD students scored an average 26.9 on the math exam, a jump from the 26.3 average in 2009. Statewide and nationally, students' average scores on the same exam were 21.4 and 21, respectively.
• The science reasoning average score of Plano ISD students increased from 24.5 in 2009 to 25.1 in 2010. Statewide and nationally, students averaged 20.9 on the science reasoning exam.
• Reading scores averaged 25.4 for Plano ISD students and 20.8 and 21.3, respectively, for students in Texas and the nation.

Percentages of ACT Test Takers
Ready for College-Level Coursework

Advanced Placement (AP) Enrollment & Scores

• With 2,905 students taking AP tests for college credit, Plano ISD's AP program is one of the largest in the nation.
• The number of Plano ISD senior high school students who took AP exams increased to 7,842 students as compared to 7,513 in 2009.
• 80% of AP test scores at the senior high schools were 3 or higher. This reflects the same percentage as in 2009.
• AP test-takers at the high school level (grades 9-10) increased significantly from to 1,109 in 2009 to 1,826 in 2010, while the number of tests taken increased from 1,192 to 2,156 for the same years, respectively.
• At the high school level, 72% of students scored a 3 or higher on AP tests as compared to 64% of students in 2009. In alignment with district goals, Plano ISD has opened the door for many more students to take AP and honors courses. For many of these students, 2010 was the first time to take an AP test.
• Middle School AP Spanish test takers numbered 153 in 2010 as opposed to 142 in 2009.

International Baccalaureate Program

The International Baccalaureate Program is a rigorous course of study designed to meet the needs of highly motivated secondary students and to promote international understanding. Many students earning the IB Diploma are awarded advanced college credit at prestigious universities around the world. Since 1995, Plano ISD students have entered the International Honors Program at either Clark High School or Williams High School in the ninth grade followed by the two-year IB Program at Plano East Senior High.

• In 2010, Plano ISD boasted 97 full diploma candidates through its International Baccalaureate (IB) program. This reflects an increase from 68 students in 2009.
• 60 IB diplomas were awarded in 2010 as compared to 44 in 2009.
• Plano ISD students took 642 IB exams in 2010 compared to 623 in 2009, passing 486 exams as compared to 362 the prior year.

Dual Enrollment

Since fall, 2005, Plano ISD has offered a dual enrollment program through Collin College. The number of students enrolled has grown from 27 to 603. "This is a strong indication of the success of the program and our students' post-secondary readiness," noted Mr. Weaver.

• Students earned college credit through Collin College in the following courses: US History, Government, Economics and English IV.

College-Readiness Programs and Exams

Middle Schools

• Explore – This is a career exploration program for eighth grade students from ACT – students take four 30-minute multiple choice tests in English, math, science and reading. The student report gives information on knowledge, skills, interests and plans.

High Schools

• PSAT – 10th grade test measures critical reading skills, math problem solving skills, and writing skills.

• PLAN – This program helps 10th grade students measure their current academic development, explore career/training options and make plans for the remaining years of high school and post-graduation. Students take 20- to 30-minute tests in English, math, science and reading.

• Advanced Placement – The AP program allows students to complete college-level studies while still in high school. Students taking AP courses are encouraged to take the appropriate AP exams. Students may receive college placement and credit based on their examination score.

Senior High Schools

• PSAT/NMSQT – Test results determine National Merit Semi-Finalists. The test measures critical reading skills, math problem solving skills and writing skills.
• ACT – This 3 hour and 15 minutes test consists of five subtests: English (English usage), math (based on Algebra I, II, Geometry, and Trigonometry), reading, science reasoning (a science-based reasoning test) and writing. ACT scores range from 1-36 with the composite score being the average of all five subtests.
• SAT –The SAT Reasoning Test is divided into three subtests: critical reading, math and writing. Each subtest is scored between 200 and 800 with a perfect score being 2,400. The SAT is 3 hours and 35 minutes in length.
• Advanced Placement – This program allows students to complete college-level studies while still in high school. Plano ISD offers 31 Advanced Placement courses.
• International Baccalaureate -The International Baccalaureate Program is a rigorous course of study designed to meet the needs of highly motivated secondary students and to promote international understanding. The effectiveness of the IB program is due not only to the depth of the individual courses, but also to the comprehensive nature of the program. The IB Program requires each student to take courses in six academic areas. To qualify for the International Baccalaureate Diploma, students must take examinations in six subject areas, participate in the Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) program, and write an extended essay during the 11th and 12th grade years.

Related Link

• Plano ISD University Ready Web Site