Students score above national average on ACT

By The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

HOT SPRINGS — Students at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts 2009 graduates scored well above both the state and national averages on the ACT.

According to ACT information released, the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts class of 2009 scored an average of 28.0 on the college entrance exam. The state and national averages are 20.6 and 21.1, respectively.

Students excelled in all areas. In the four benchmark disciplines (English, mathematics, reading and science), students were significantly above the state average. According to ACT, a benchmark score is a predictor of student’s chances to make a C or higher in a college course.

In the “Students Meeting All Four ACT Benchmark Scores,” 18 percent of the students in Arkansas met that criterion while 74 percent of the students at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts achieved that level of accomplishment.

“ASMSA students have consistently scored above the state and national averages on the ACT,” said Melanie Nichols, dean of academic affairs. “Our students strive to achieve success on every level, and with the help of instructors and supportive parents, their ACT scores continuously reflect those efforts.”

Tri-Lakes, Pages 60 on 10/29/2009