ACT scores above average in Austin

Published 10:57 am Friday, August 15, 2008

Minnesota students performed better on the ACT in 2008 than the rest of the United States for the fourth consecutive year, and both Pacelli and Austin high schools surpassed that number, with Austin tallying its highest scores in five years.

AHS students scored an average of 22.9 on the composite (combined) portion of the test, slightly above the state average of 22.6, which puts Minnesota higher than any other state primarily utilizing the ACT.

“We’re really pleased with the results,” said John Alberts, director of education services at Austin Public Schools.

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Students averaged 22.3 in English; 22.9 in math; 23.4 in reading; and 22.4 in reading.

About 115 juniors and seniors took the ACT, which most schools in the Midwest use for their college entrance exam. Students may re-take the ACT as many times as possible their junior through senior years, so it is hard to determine the ratio of test-takers in the district, Alberts said.

At Pacelli High School, where students scored well above the state average, director Mary Holtorf believes their class sizes are beneficial to test preparation.

“Because of our small class sizes, our students do very well,” she said. “Usually, we have accelerated classes that really push them to do their absolute best.”

PHS students improved in science, reading, English and composite scores in 2008.

Holtorf said PHS students perform best in math and science, with one student scoring a 35 a couple years ago — one point shy of a perfect ACT.

In 2008, PHS students averaged 25.8 on composite; 25.5 in English; 25.5 in math; 26.1 in reading; and 25.4 in science.

“It’s not uncommon for our kids to get in the 30s,” Holtorf said. “We’re finding that colleges really look at that. Around this area, ACT is still the No. 1 test.”

PHS classes average around 17 students, and about third-fourths of those usually take the ACT.

ACT has also established College Readiness Benchmark Standards — scores in various subjects they believe indicate students will perform better in college. The ACT Benchmarks are: English Composition, 18; Algebra Mathematics, 22; Social Sciences Reading, 21; and Biology Science, 24.

Alberts said he attributes Austin’s higher scores partially to more Advanced Placement coursework availability, as well as students enrolling in more challenging classes.

Minnesota came in first for ACT scores ahead of Iowa (22.4) and Wisconsin (22.3).

Alberts said be believes the state’s consistently high scores are a testament to Minnesota’s standards and dedication to education.