By AP/KWMU
St. Louis, MO – High school students from Missouri did slightly better on the ACT this year, while Illinois students stayed the same.
Missouri students averaged a 21.6 this year. Last year they averaged a 21.5.
Illinois students stayed the same with another year averaging 20-point-3. All students in Illinois, though, are required to take the ACT.
The test is out of 36. The nationwide average remained unchanged, at 20.9
The CEO of the test, Richard Ferguson, says many students are going to have trouble because of "the disconnect between their plans for college and the cold reality of their readiness for college."
He says about one-third of students aren't taking the classes they need in high school to get them ready for more advanced studies. Specifically, in biology, 75% show a lack of needed skills.
Nearly 1.2 million members of the class of 2005 took the ACT, or 40% of all graduates.
|
ACT
Scores Governor | |||
| State | 2005 | 2004 | |
| Missouri | 21.6 | 21.5 | |
| Illinois | 20.3 | 20.3 | |
| Nationwide | 20.9 | 20.9 | |