Selma High School has started an ACT prep course to help students improve their test scores.

The ACT assesses students` academic readiness for college.

Selma City School System Superintendent Angela Mangum went after funds to provide students with extra tutoring to ensure they reach their highest potential.

She found her answer through a grant offered by the state of Alabama. The grant focuses on supporting educational opportunities for students.

“We’re really excited about that grant and initiative to support students as they prepare for the ACT,” Mangum said.

She said Deborah Thomas, an educational consultant, was a big help in the grant process.

“We had a conversation about helping students be successful on the ACT. I asked her if she would work with our staff to write a grant and she agreed to do so. She was the primary writer and of course we provided the data. We received the $75,000 grant.” Mangum said.

Mangum said this is not the first time the school system has offered tutoring and she has seen firsthand the difference it can make for students.

“The students get to review test content and that helps them feel more comfortable when they take the test. It gives them strategies they can use in testing and with higher test scores on the ACT it can also open up scholarship opportunities,” Mangum said.

The ACT is a test high school students must take before they can be granted admission into colleges and universities. The tutorials will be on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. It is for Selma High School students only and is free of charge.

ACT Prep Initiative Site Administrator Tamitha Rowden said she is confident students will do better with the test.

“We know that it works. The first group has ended already, and they have reported to us. They have made gains as high as three to four points. So, it does work,” Rowden said.

The benchmark score for ACT English is 18, Mathematics and Reading is 22 and Science is 23. Tutorials will end on April 7 and the test will be given on April 9 and 19. Transportation and snacks will be provided for students who attend tutorials.

For more information contact Rowden at (334) 318-2961.