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The 2011 Graduating Class ACT scores for Quincy Notre Dame High School are the highest in ten years. The average composite score has increased a full point from 22.1 to 23.1. Every testing area showed a marked increase:
English—from 22.3 to 23.8
Mathematics—from 21.7 to 22.3
Reading—from 21.9 to 22.9
Science—from 22.0 to 22.8
Composite—from 22.1 to 23.1
QND Principal Ray Heilmann said, “Rarely does any school see such a large jump in a single year. The credit must be given to the students, their parents, and their teachers for this remarkable improvement in test scores.” When asked what caused this positive change, Heilmann referred to the implementation of various strategies recommended by the AdvancED/North Central evaluation, the Quincy Notre Dame High School Board of Directors, and the ongoing I.S.P.D. process sponsored by the Tracy Family Foundation. Teachers, counselors, students and parents saw the suggestions and worked together to implement strategies to improve student learning.
During the past couple of years, all QND teachers worked through six sessions of professional development focused on teaching critical reading skills. Each individual classroom teacher taught students strategies for reading for understanding and retention. The Friday “Raiders Read” time was implemented allowing every person in the building 20 minutes free reading and achieved the goal of reading as a hobby and for enjoyment.
Each student’s academic progress is monitored through a comparison of scores from the Explore Test, the PLAN Test, the RETIRED ACT exam, and finally through the ACT program exam. Students are able to recognize their own progress and accept responsibility for their education. Through hard work and test preparation, the Class of 2011 increased their ACT scores.
“We are most proud of our students and their scores. Our graduates are the future for our community and our world,” stated Heilmann. “With 100% graduation rate, 98% of our QND Class of 2011 are enrolled in a college program and have been offered more than $6.3 million in academic, athletic and performing arts scholarships.”