Published August 26, 2015 at 4:24 p.m.

Kingsport, Tenn. – ACT Composite scores for Dobyns-Bennett High School students rose significantly in 2015, as well as increasing in each individual subject area, which were higher than state averages in both numeric scores and college-readiness levels.

D-B students scored an average ACT Composite of 22.5 in 2015, reflecting an increase of +0.4 points over 2014 and besting the state average of 19.8 by 2.7 points.  All subject areas scores increased in 2015, including 21.8 in English (+0.3), 22.5 in Mathematics (+0.3), 22.8 in Reading (+0.5), and 22.2 in Science (+0.4).

“Kingsport’s investment in providing a world-class academic environment is truly represented in this year’s ACT scores,” said KCS Superintendent Dr. Lyle Ailshie.  “Students at D-B are challenging themselves at unprecedented levels through rigorous, high-level coursework.  Those efforts by students, staff, and administrators are not only preparing students to do well on the ACT assessment, but are also preparing them for great success as they transition to college and careers.”

As measured by the ACT assessment, the percent of D-B students meeting college-level readiness benchmarks also greatly outpaced state averages in all subject areas.  73% of D-B students scored at least an 18 on the English Composition test (State: 58%), 54% scored at least a 22 on the Algebra test (State:  30%), 55% scored at least a 22 on the Social Science test (State:  38%), and 48% scored at least a 23 on the Science test (State: 29%).  Nearly twice the percentage of D-B students met all four college-ready benchmarks (37%), as compared to students across the state (20%).

“We have made a concerted effort at D-B to support, prepare, and encourage students to take an extremely rigorous course of study,” said D-B Principal Dr. Chris Hampton.  “These commitments, such as providing 22 Advanced Placement classes, have resulted in record numbers of students taking and successfully completing high level coursework.  D-B students and teachers have risen to meet those high expectations, and this year’s ACT score report certainly reflects those efforts.”

Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a public school district located in Kingsport, Tenn., serving students in Sullivan and Hawkins counties. The district is comprised of 13 schools, including a Pre-K, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school and a non-traditional school; with total enrollment over 7,100 students. The vision of Kingsport City Schools is to be, Student Focused … World Class.

KCS has been named the top school district in Tennessee as winner of the 2014 SCORE Prize District Award by the State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) and has earned the 2014 Achievement Award in the annual Excellence in Tennessee Recognition Program by the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence (TNPCE).

For more information on KCS, visit k12k.com, listen live on WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, read our blog, We Are KCS, or call (423) 378.2100. We’re social too; follow us on Facebook (Kingsport City Schools), Twitter (@KCS_District) and check out our YouTube Channel (KPTSchools).

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