Washington continues to rank among the top achieving states in the nation on the ACT college-readiness exam, said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson today after seeing results for the state’s most recent graduating class. National and state scores were released by ACT for the class of 2005 earlier today.
The average composite score earned by Washington high school graduates for 2005 – 22.7 – exceeds the national average of 20.9 and is only matched by a few other states with similar test participation rates. Scores in each content area also rose above what the class of 2004 earned.
About 16 percent of this year’s graduating class opted to take the ACT at some point in their high school career, which represents a slight increase over the participation rate of previous years. This growth was noted in each ethnic minority and racial group.
“I’m pleased to see scores rise for our graduating seniors on the ACT because it signifies they are learning and achieving the kinds of skills and knowledge that will serve them well in college and beyond,” said Bergeson.
The ACT is one of two widely-recognized exams used to gauge readiness for college. It is considered a curriculum-based exam that measures a student’s readiness for college-level work in English, reading, mathematics and science. Scores are given on a scale of 1 to 36, with 36 being the highest possible score.
One concern is the decrease over time in the number of students who report taking rigorous college-track courses both in Washington and across the nation. Results for students who report taking “core” college preparatory courses are markedly higher than for their peers who take a less challenging schedule of classes. The ACT considers “core” to include at least four years of English and three years each of mathematics (algebra and higher), natural sciences and social sciences.
“I share the concern that all students, regardless of their plans after high school, should be encouraged to take challenging courses. It’s in those very classrooms that students learn how much more they are capable of achieving and learning,” Bergeson said.
The ACT piloted its optional essay writing section of the assessment this year, but results will not be reported until 2006.
