Education Officials Report Montana Students Continue to Score Higher than the National Average on ACT Exams

Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau and Commissioner of Higher Education Sheila Stearns report that Montana’s 2009 graduating class earned an average composite score of 22 compared to the national composite score of 21.1. The national and state averages were the same last year.

The ACT is designed to measure the academic skills that are deemed important for success in first-year college courses.†

The 2009 ACT tests were taken by 5,960 students (or 54 percent) of Montana’s 2009 high school graduates. Five percent of those taking the test were American Indian, a percentage which remains consistent over the last few years. One Montana student earned a perfect score of 36.

"Overall, Montana students have consistently scored higher than students on the national level; however, an achievement gap is demonstrated between American Indian and white students. We need to continue to remain vigilant in preparing all of our students to be ready for college. The data shows we still have some work to do on that front," said Superintendent Juneau.

"The current ACT scores speak well of our students’ performance, but we can’t afford to stand still. Substantial room for growth exists in college readiness in math and science skills needed by our students in their first-year college courses," said Superintendent Juneau.

"Montana students scored higher than the national average in all four subject areas of English, mathematics, reading, and science," said Commissioner Stearns. "Their highest scores were in reading (22.7) and science (21.7). This information helps high school seniors focus on becoming college- or work-ready before graduation. Currently, the University System and the Office of Public Instruction are pursuing several initiatives to help improve math, science, and writing instruction."

"The most significant indicator of how well students do on the ACT and succeed in college is whether they have taken college preparatory classes in high school and we will continue to work closely with postsecondary education to ensure we reach our goal of preparing every student for college success," concluded Superintendent Juneau.