Vol. 40, No. 32
CONTACT: JIM MORRIS |
August 16 , 2006
Missouri ACT Score Is Steady Even Though
Students Post Gains on 3 of 4 Subtests
Missouri’s composite average score on the ACT college-entry exam remained steady this year, even though high school students made slight gains in three out of four subtest scores on test.
Although the state’s average score did not change, state education officials already are looking forward to the potential impact of new high school graduation requirements on ACT scores in the future.
“Tougher high school graduation standards take effect for this year’s freshman class. Because the members of the Class of 2010 will be required to take more core academic courses, they should earn better marks on the ACT exam,” said Commissioner of Education D. Kent King.
The average composite score for Missouri high school graduates this year is 21.6, which equals the state’s high mark in 1999 and 2000. The national average rose to 21.1 from 20.9. (See 10-year trend chart.)
Scores for Missouri students increased this year by one-tenth of a point in three out of four subtest areas covered by the ACT exam (English, math and reading). The subtest score in science was unchanged from 2005. The average composite score, however, did not change.
| ACT Subtest Scores (all students) | 2005 | 2006 |
| English | 21.4 | 21.5 |
| Math | 20.9 | 21.0 |
| Reading | 21.9 | 22.0 |
| Science | 21.5 | 21.5 |
| Composite Average (Total) | 21.6 | 21.6 |
Missouri’s statistics are based on the scores of 42,885 students who graduated from public and private high schools in 2006 and who took the ACT exam at least once during their sophomore, junior or senior years.
“The ACT results are important indicators for both high schools and postsecondary institutions,” said Charles McClain, interim commissioner of the Department of Higher Education. “While we have made some progress in recent years, there is much need for improvement. The demands of a new economy require a better educated workforce. Working together, Missourians can be prepared for these new demands for postsecondary education.”
The number of Missouri students taking the ACT exam reached an all-time high this year, but not by much. The 42,885 students tested this year is 180 more than in 2005 and only 23 more than those tested in 2004.
Overall, 70 percent of all Missouri high school graduates take the ACT exam on a voluntary basis. Just over half of all students (53%) report that they take the “core curriculum” classes that are recommended by the ACT. This includes four years of English and three years each of math, science and social studies.
The new minimum graduation requirements that were adopted by the State Board of Education in October 2005 require all public school graduates to earn at least 24 units of credit (starting in 2010). The 24-unit minimum includes the core academic courses that are recommended by the ACT.
Test results for all 50 states were released today by the ACT, which is based in Iowa City, Iowa.
All Graduates |
Missouri |
National |
1997 |
21.5 |
21 |
1998 |
21.5 |
21 |
1999 |
21.6 |
21 |
2000 |
21.6 |
21 |
2001 |
21.4 |
21 |
2002 |
21.5 |
20.8 |
2003 |
21.4 |
20.8 |
2004 |
21.5 |
20.9 |
2005 |
21.6 |
20.9 |
2006 |
21.6 |
21.1 |
Source: ACT