ACT scores for Alabama’s 2016 high school graduates are behind the national average, according to a report released today by the college testing organization and the state Department of Education.
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The ACT measures college and career readiness using four benchmarks: English, math, reading, and science.
Sumner’s composite score increased from 20.4 to 20.8, making it the highest score posted since 2009, the year Tennessee mandated students take the exam regardless of plans after high school.
The national average went down slightly to 20.8.
More Minnesota students met each of the four benchmarks – English, reading, math and science – than did students across the country, with 29 percent compared to 26 percent nationally, the state Department of Education reported.
Nationwide, the number of students taking the ACT “increased by 8.6% compared to past year, rising from 1,924,436 graduates in 2015 to 2,090,342 graduates in 2016”. Martha Ellen Stilwell rose from 19.8, while Elite Scholars bounced from its 19.5 average 2015 ACT composite score.
The ACT organization’s report says that when states increase the number of test-takers, they bring in students who aren’t as prepared for college.
The state has some catching up to do when compared to the other 19 states that require students to take the ACT.
The dip wasn’t a surprise, as it includes results from spring 2015, the first time the state paid for all high school juniors to take the test. Previously, the district’s highest score was 23 in 2012.
Jackson said that officials also are considering adding a test prep course, which would help students become more comfortable with the test.
Ohio, where about 73 percent of seniors take the test, had a higher composite score of 22.0. Given that change, the scores were expected to drop.
The four subject areas included on the ACT are English, math, reading and science.
“These results represent achievement for all students, not just those headed to college who took the ACT in prior years”, Evers said.
Lambert High ranked 15th in the state with a 24.9 composite score. “We had 60 more students taking the ACT in 2016”.
Jane Harrison, assistant superintendent for instruction at Anderson One Schools, said the drop in scores must be kept in perspective since all students are required to take the test, but all do not have the same goals to attend college. “We have likely added many more underrepresented students who may not have been preparing to go to college”.
West Aurora’s average overall score was 18.9, up from 18.7 the year before, according to ACT data provided by the district.
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This year’s 20.8 average score is down from last year’s average of 21. The composite score for white students in Nebraska was 22.3, compared to 18.3 for Hispanic students, 17.2 for African-American students and 17.1 for Native students.
