South Dakota students earned an average composite score of 21.9 on the ACT in 2007, compared to the national average of 21.2. Scores improved in all four required subject-area tests included in the exam, and students taking core courses outperformed their peers in all areas.

“The ACT is one of three major assessments that we look at each year to determine academic achievement, and we’re happy to see the progress made in 2007,” said Education Secretary Rick Melmer.

Nearly 76 percent of South Dakota’s graduating class of 2007 took the ACT. Their average composite score of 21.9 was up from 21.8 in 2006 and 21.5 in 2005. The average score in English was 21.3, compared to 21.0 last year. In math, it was 21.7, compared to 21.6 last year. In reading, the state’s average score was 22.1, compared to 22.0 in 2006. In science, it was 21.9, compared to 21.8 last year. The ACT is scored on a scale of 1 to 36. (See chart below.)

Students who reported taking “core courses” scored above their counterparts who did not take core courses. ACT’s definition of core courses closely mirrors the requirements of the state’s new graduation requirements.

The average composite score of students taking core courses was 22.9, compared to 20.0 for non-core students. Core students consistently outperformed their non-core counterparts in each of the four subject areas. (See chart below.)

“South Dakota’s new graduation standards require students to take some of the more challenging core courses like geometry and chemistry. We believe that this emphasis on more rigorous core courses will better prepare our students for the postsecondary world,” Melmer said.

The average composite score of American Indian students who took the test – about 6 percent of total test-takers and 11 percent of the general student population – increased for the third time in five years. The average composite score for this subgroup was 17.6 for 2007, up 0.1 point from last year.

“While our Native American students’ scores remain well below that of the general population, we have seen steady growth over the past five years, which is very encouraging,” Melmer said. “We’ve also seen an increase in the number of Native American students taking the test, which could indicate that more of these students are considering college as an option.”

Melmer noted that the new graduation requirements and state-sponsored initiatives such as senior projects, personal learning plans, and the Classroom Connections laptop project can help to make high school more engaging and relevant for students.

Average ACT Scores by Subject Area

Average ACT Scores by Level of Preparation 2007 - South Dakota