PEA RIDGE — Students at Pea Ridge High School have improved their average ACT composite scores by a full point or more, resulting in a letter of commendation to Rick Neal, principal of Pea Ridge High School.

The Arkansas Department of Education extended congratulations to the school for “achieving the College Readiness Award for 2009 by increasing the ACT Composite Score by a full point or more over time while at the same time increasing local participation.”

According to Department of Education, documentation for the recognition was provided by the ACT Test and made available through the Department of Education Office of Accountability. The recognition was affirmed by a resolution adopted by the State Board of Education at its regular meeting Monday, Dec. 14, 2009.

“(Our success) is a combination of a lot of things ... kids are challenged and pushed to do well,” Neal said.

Pea Ridge High School has become an AAIMS (Arkansas Advanced Initiative for Math and Science) school, one of 23 in the state. Progress is measured by the student’s AP classtest scores. AAIMS provides professional development for the school’s staff as well.

School, Pages 20 on 01/27/2010