Minnesota Leads the Nation in ACT Scores

Photo credit: CollegeDegrees260. Guest Blog by Minnesota Department of Education.

Today, ACT released testing data for the class of 2012, showing that Minnesota students continue to lead the nation in college preparedness.

With 74% of all students taking the test, the state average was 22.8 points out of a possible 36. For states where at least half of the students took the exam, this average score is nearly a point and half higher than the national average, placing Minnesota at the top of the pack. 

Other successes from today’s release include a three percent increase in the number of Hispanic students meeting ACT benchmarks in Minnesota. 

The ACT is an end of high school exam that measures a student’s college and career readiness. This year’s scores will help inform the work of Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius, Higher Education Commissioner Larry Pogemiller and MnSCU Chancellor Steven Rosenstone as they collaborate on a plan to redesign grades 11 – 14. Their efforts are focused on increasing the achievement of every Minnesota high school student, and helping them be better prepared for success in post-secondary education and into the workforce.

While Commissioners Cassellius and Pogemiller were pleased by Minnesota’s performance, they both acknowledged the definite need for growth and increased urgency to ensure all students graduate from high school fully prepared for college and career.

In looking closer at the data, the state’s average score fell a tenth of a point from last year and persistent gaps remain between students of color and white students. 

By aligning Minnesota education systems and reforming the way people think about grades 11-14, Cassellius and Pogemiller hope to address those achievements gaps head on and provide youth with the tools they need to succeed.