CHEYENNE – The Wyoming graduating class of 2016 had an average composite score of 20.0 on the ACT according to The Condition of College & Career Readiness 2016, released today by ACT, Inc.

“Just as we see and celebrate Wyoming students’ growth on the ACT and other statewide assessments, our placement among states reminds us that we aren’t there yet,” said State Superintendent Jillian Balow. “At this time, it’s important to remember this is one important measure among many, and is an opportunity for schools across our state to make adjustments that help ensure that more students are successful on the ACT.”2016 ACT Benchmarks and Average Scores show the the average ACT Scores in English were 19.2 for the Class of 2016, 29.5 for the Class of 2015, and 19.3 for the Class of 2014; the average Mathematics score was 19.6 for the Class of 2016, and 19.9 for both the Class of 2015 and 2014; the average score in reading was 20.4 for the Class of 2016, and 20.6 for both the Class of 2015 and 2014; the average score in Science was 20.4 for both the Class of 2016 and 2015, and 20.2 for the Class of 2014; and the average Composite score was 20.0 for the Class of 2016, 20.2 for the Class of 2015, and 20.1 for the class of 2014. The percent of students who met college readiness benchmarks in English was 58 for the class of 2016, 60 for the class of 2015, and 59 for the class of 2014; in Mathematics it was 33 for the class of 2016, 36 for the class of 2015, and 34 for the class of 2014; in Reading it was 38 for the class of 2016, and 40 for both the class of 2015 and 2014; in Science it was 31 for the class of 2016, 34 for the class of 2015, and 31 for the class of 2014; the percent of students who met all four benchmarks was 20 for the class of 2016, 22 for the class of 2015, and 20 for the class of 2014.

Near Attainment of College and Career Readiness: A graph displaying the percent of 2016 ACT-tested high school graduates by ACT College Readiness Benchmark attainment and subject. In English 58% met the benchmark, 11% were within two points of the benchmark, and 31% were below the benchmark by three or more points. In math, 38% met the benchmark, 13% were within two points, and 48% were below by three or more points. In reading, 33% met the benchmark, 8% were within two points, and 58% were below by three or more points. In science, 31% met the benchmark, 18% were within two points, and 51% were below by three or more points.

Wyoming state law requires all students to take the ACT as juniors. The results released today represent the most recent score for students that graduated in 2016. Beginning with the graduating class of 2013, all students whose scores are college reportable, both standard and extended time tests, are now included in the reports.

Wyoming is among 18 states that has results for 100 percent of graduating seniors.

A map of the United States displays the 18 states in which 100% of the graduating seniors take the ACT.

2016 State Average Composite ACT Score (for the 18 states in which 100% of the graduating students take the ACT) in order from highest to lowest average composite score: Minnesota 21.1, Illimois 20.8, Colorado 20.6, Wisconsin 20.5, Michigan 20.3, Montana 203, North Dakota 20.3, Missouri 20.2, Utah 20.2, Kentucky 20.2, Wyoming 20.0, Tennessee 19.9, Louisiana 19.5, Alabama 19.1, North Carolina 19.1, South Carolina 18.5, Mississippi 18.4, Nevada 17.7.

The Wyoming Readiness Report and ACT Profile Report can be found at: http://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/CCCR_National_2016.pdf.

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Media Contact:
Kari Eakins, Communications Director
kari.eakins@wyo.gov
307-777-2053