College and career readiness increased at Hutchinson High School during the 2014-15 school year. The annual ACT report for college readiness showed a higher percentage of Hutchinson High School seniors were ready for college during testing done during 2014-15 than in 2013-14. The increase was seen both overall and in the four specific areas of readiness. The report, which was released earlier this week, showed the increases came even with a higher percentage of HHS seniors took the test. “I am extremely pleased that HHS students are above the state average in terms of college readiness on all subjects,” Superintendent Shelly Kiblinger said. “This is truly a testament to the quality of staff in our district and their hard work and dedication. However, we must continue our efforts as many students are not at the desired level of performance.” The percentage of students showing college readiness in all four categories – English composition, algebra, social science and biology – ticked up to 33 percent last year up from 32 percent the previous year. Social science is considered an indicator of readiness in college reading. English composition scores were up to 75 percent from 71 percent. Algebra scores were at 50 percent compared to 48 percent. Social science was at 62 percent from 56 percent. Biology was at 45 percent, compared to 40 percent. HHS’ averages also topped state averages across the Board. State averages in 2015 were 71 percent for English composition, 49 percent for algebra, 53 percent for social science and 44 percent for biology. The state average for all for areas was 32 percent. The HHS scores also show a significant change in readiness in individual areas compared to the state in 2014. In 2014, HHS was below the state average in three of four individual areas though it was above the state average in the percentage of students meeting all four areas. “The college readiness for social studies is actually derived from the reading test,” Dr. Kiblinger said. “If students are reading at college level, it translates to the social studies result posted. Thus, we are 9 percentage points above the state average for students reading at the level necessary to be successful in college. Literacy across the curriculum is one of our two strategic actions, so seeing the gains in that area indicate we are on the right track with the initiatives in our district.” The increase in scores comes at a time when district staff have been forced to do more with fewer state resources. The district is in the midst of a multi-year period of reduced budgets. With the ACT, what appear to be small, incremental increases take significant staff commitment and work throughout the district. “These types of results are getting harder and harder to achieve as we must cut back in many areas to put resources into new efforts,” Dr. Kiblinger said. “We would no doubt be seeing more rapid growth and greater impact with our students of poverty if additional resources were available for the initiatives we are implementing. Even though we are proud of our growth, we cannot lose sight of the number of students who did not demonstrate college readiness.” The gains, too, stem from work being done across the district – from quality preschool experiences to elementary and middle school to the high school. The district’s strategic plan drives these efforts. “Our strategic plan focuses on college and career readiness,” Dr. Kiblinger said. “These results provide evidence to our community that we are making gains.”