By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News
PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) – Louisiana Christian University recently helped more than 120 high school students prepare for the ACT with a test preparation course on campus.
The course, which was sponsored and created by LCU in early February, was open to students in grades 9-12 from public, private and home schools across central Louisiana.
Shaina Goudeau, associate vice president of the School of Nursing and Allied Health, and
Cheryl Bullock, PTA administrative assistant, spearheaded the ACT event by engaging in
conversations with district teachers and administrators, as well as high school students, on how
to best meet the needs of the students and the community.
Following conversations with students, Goudeau identified multiple aspects that mold students’
perceptions concerning ACT testing.
“Although high school students are provided a quality education through district instruction,
there remains a level of anxiety regarding the ACT standardized testing,” Goudeau said.
“Students not only realize the significance of obtaining a good score for improved confidence
and entry into college, but they also recognize that their score could translate into improved
scholarship opportunities for higher education which reduces the financial burden on them and
their families.”
For that reason, LCU was intent on locating and hiring qualified instructors who have a proven
history of teaching at the high school level, are considered experts in their content area and
thoroughly understand how their content translates to the testing standards of the ACT
examination. All instructors of the ACT Prep course had previous experience with teaching boot
camps and/or prep courses focused on improving ACT outcomes.
“LCU’s dedication to its mission statement in holding firm to the commitment of academic
excellence is not only extended to students who are currently enrolled at the university but also to high school students who plan to enroll in institutions of higher learning following graduation,” said Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Cheryl Clark. “The administration and faculty of LCU are thrilled to work alongside area high school administrators and teachers in promoting student education and better preparing students for success on the ACT examination.”
Ben Arrington, principal of Tioga High School, said ACT boot camps provide students with an
opportunity to learn strategies and information that give them the knowledge and confidence to
perform to their best ability.
“This boot camp connected students with great teachers who have the expertise to deliver critical
information in a short period,” Arrington said. “I cannot thank LCU enough for providing our
students with this amazing opportunity.”
Summer Trapp, assistant principal of Montgomery High School, echoed Arrington’s sentiments,
adding the significance of having local instructors who understand the specific needs of the
students in this area.
“The ACT Prep Program provided by LCU presented an exclusive chance for Central Louisiana
students to excel,” she said. “With seasoned local educators at the helm, students gained insights
from instructors well-versed in both classroom dynamics and ACT preparation strategies.
“Moreover, the inclusion of a visit to a nearby college campus enriches students’ perspectives on
their future pathways. By affording our students this opportunity, LCU underscores its
commitment to nurturing their growth beyond high school. It reinforces to our learners that their
future matters not only within the school walls but also to the wider community invested in their
success.”
Students also said they found the course challenging and effective.
“It provided all information and study materials needed to help improve your scores,” said Kya
Smith, a student at Pineville High School. “For example, a booklet full of grammar and reading tips, and
teaches the breakdown of everything for you so that you can understand. I would recommend
this course to anyone who would want the help and knowledge to improve your ACT.”
