Bogue Chitto Attendance Center students have improved overall ACT scores after implementing Jumpstart Test Prep.

The Brookhaven education company recently made the announcement. Of students with at least one prior ACT score, 82 percent improved an average of 2.66 composite points. In each subject area, the students’ scores improved by 55 percent in math (4.16 points on average), 73 percent in science (3.13 points average), 64 percent in English (2.14 points average) and 64 percent in reading (5.71 points higher on average).

Top achievers included:

• Rayne Dunaway, increased 4 points in English and 10 points in reading.

• Fayth Magee, increased 9 points in math.

• Jacob Sauls, scored 24 on first attempt.

• Deacon Wallace, increase 6 points in science and 5 points composite.

“I made a five-point gain on my composite score, which helped me get a half-paid tuition scholarship from Co-Lin,” Wallace said. “What I liked best about the program was how easy they laid it out and how simple the questions were.”

“With the help of Jumpstart, I scored over a 20 Composite on my first try. The thing that I like most about Jumpstart is how much effort they put into helping students,” said Sauls.

These improvements were not possible without the diligence and support of the teachers tasked to help raise scores at Bogue Chitto.

The guidance and encouragement of administration also plays a huge role in raising scores. Principal Scott Merrell said, “As principal, I’m very proud of the determination and seriousness that my students approached preparation for the ACT — and Jumpstart gave them the best vehicle by which to do so. The dedication of our staff to promote academic excellence and their genuine affection for our students and community likewise cannot be overlooked. This determination and genuine concern coupled with Jumpstart’s innovative and thorough review has contributed to our success on the ACT.”

Jumpstart Test Prep is an online review program based on more than 50 years of work by Dot McClendon, a legendary educator and Mississippi’s 19-year STAR teacher Hall of Fame inductee.

“As a teacher … I was able to help guide the preparation of students in person,” said McClendon. “Now through our online, on-demand video review, students in … classrooms around the country, around the breakfast table, or on the couch at home, are able to benefit from our approach.”