Students in Austin ISD continued to earn a higher overall score on the ACT exam, compared with their counterparts across the state and nation, according to ACT, Inc.
"We are so proud of our students, who continue to excel on the ACT, and our staff for all the hard work they put in each and every day," Superintendent Paul Cruz said. "These scores are a testament that we are moving the mark on making our students college- and career-ready."
The average ACT composite score for AISD students was 22.2 and an all-time high for the district. AISD's average ACT composite score exceeded the state average of 20.9 and national average of 21. Over the past five years, average composite scores for AISD students increased, while national and state average composite scores remained stable.
"We're glad we're continuing to see a return on our investment for college test preparation, which is given to all sophomores and juniors," Chief Officer of Teaching and Learning Edmund Oropez said. "We also encourage our students and parents to take advantage of the free resources available to them online."
Figure 1. AISD, State, and National Average ACT Composite Scores, 2005-2015
Source. 2015 ACT District Profile Report
AISD had greater percentages of students who were college-ready, compared with percentages at the state and national levels, in math, reading and science and across all four subjects. In AISD and across the nation, 64 percent of students were college-ready in English. The percentage of AISD students who were college-ready increased from the prior year in reading, science, and across all four tests.
Figure. Percentages of College-Ready Students at the District, State, and National Levels
Source. 2015 ACT District Profile Report
Over the past five years, the average AISD ACT composite score and subject area scores in English, math, reading and science increased for all student groups. AISD students from every race/ethnicity category also had greater average composite scores on the ACT, compared with their peers at the state level.
Figure. Average ACT Composite Scores in 2015, by Student Groups
AISD's ACT average subject area scores in English, math, reading and science also exceeded state and national scores.
AISD students' participation in ACT testing continued to increase in 2015, compared with participation in prior years.
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AISD is the fifth-largest school district in Texas, serving approximately 85,000 students at 129 schools. Follow AISD on Twitter at @AustinISD or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/austini