Glenbard Students ACT Scores Exceed National Averages

Glenbard Township High School District 87 students outpace the national average when it comes to ACT scores, according to a release from District 87. 

Glenbard District 87’s average composite score from the graduating class of 2013 was 21.9, which exceeds the national average composite of 20.9.  Illinois is one of only a few states where all high school juniors take the ACT as part of a state standardized exam.

The percentage of Glenbard students who are ready for college-level coursework, according to benchmarks established by ACT, surpassed the percentage of students statewide. 

In the area of college English composition, 2013 Glenbard graduates who took the ACT exceeded the state by 7 percentage points.  

In college algebra, Glenbard students were 10 percentage points higher than the state; in college social science, Glenbard students were 9 percentage points higher than the state; and in college biology, Glenbard students were 11 percentage points higher than the state.

“We are committed to providing students with a rigorous curriculum that prepares them to be ready for college, the global work force and personal success," Superintendent David Larson said in a prepared statement. "We encourage all students to 'level up' by challenging themselves to take honors and advanced placement classes.”

According to ACT, it is the rigor of courses—not just the number of core courses— that has the greatest impact on a student’s readiness for college. Glenbard’s curriculum exposes all students to rigorous courses and prepares all students to be college-ready and career-ready.

Glenbard meets all of ACT’s recommendations regarding an action plan for college readiness for all students, including:

• Create a common focus
• Establish high expectations for all
• Require a rigorous curriculum
• Provide student counseling
• Measure and evaluate progress