The graduating class of 2014 has earned the best composite ACT (America College Testing) score for the Mercer Island School District in at least five years, the school district reported last week. The ACT college readiness assessment is a standardized test designed to assess student readiness for college or the workplace.
According to the announcement, the MIHS class of 2014 earned a composite score of 27.6. The state composite score was 23 and the national composite score was 21.
Island students earned their highest scores in English (27.5), Reading (27.6) and Science (27.2). Only the class of 2011 surpassed the class of 2014 in Mathematics, with a 28.1 over the 2014 score of 27.4. Scores range from one (lowest) to 36 (highest).
“I am very proud of our students and staff for their outstanding performance on these important benchmarks for college-readiness,” said MISD Superintendent Dr. Gary Plano. Mercer Island High School Principal Vicki Puckett added, “These ACT scores represent another impressive showing from our graduating seniors and are a testament to our progress with students in this community over time.” This year 199 MIHS students participated in ACT testing.
MIHS College Counselor Mj Hillstrom said, “Because the ACT is curriculum based and achievement oriented, rather than ability oriented, these scores tell me that MIHS students are learning very well and teachers are teaching very well. My hat is off to the partnerships that make this learning possible.”
The benchmark scores for the ACT are 18 in English, 22 in Mathematics, 22 in Reading and 23 in Science. According to the ACT Inc., a benchmark score is the minimum score needed on an ACT subject-area test to indicate a 50 percent chance of obtaining a B or higher or a 75 percent chance of obtaining a C or higher in the corresponding credit-bearing college courses.
As to the performance of students statewide, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Randy Dorn was positive. “Our students perform well, overall, on the ACT, and they continue to improve,” he said.
