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ACT test-takers improve in English, struggle in math, science in W.Va.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — High school graduates in West Virginia are improving their English and reading skills, but are still struggling in math and science, according to the 2015 ACT scores released Wednesday.

The state’s composite score increased from 20.6 in 2014 to 20.8 this year. The national score stayed at 21.0.

The average English score in West Virginia was 20.6, reading: 21.5, math: 19.7 and science: 20.7.

“We still have work to do to ensure our high-school graduates are equipped with college and career ready skills, but I am proud of the progress made by our teachers, students and parents,” said State School Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano in a news release.

Nearly 11,200 West Virginia students took the ACT this year with 66 percent taking the exam at least once. Data also showed 96 percent of students who took the ACT indicated they wanted to pursue post secondary education in college.

The state ranked above the national percentage for students ready to take freshman-level courses. In general, 48 percent of test-takers were ready for those classes, topping the national average of 46 percent.

Sixty-nine percent of West Virginia students were ready for freshman English classes, above the 64 percent of kids nationwide. Thirty-four percent of state students were college ready in math, compared to the national 42 percent and 34 percent of test takers in the state were ready in math, whereas 38 percent were prepared nationally.

The West Virginia Department of Education offers the ACT every year to students graduating high school. The curriculum-based achievement test made up of four separate exams in English, reading, mathematics and science, plus an optional writing test. The test is a college entrance exam that is administered in all 50 states.

To view a complete list of results in West Virginia, visit the ACT’s website.





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