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KIRKSVILLE, MISSOURI -- Press Release from Kirksville R-III Schools

Kirksville Students continue to score above the state average on the American College Test (ACT). Kirksville students taking the 2010 test posted an average composite score of 23.2. The state average composite score was 21.6. In the four subject areas on the ACT, Kirksville students also outperformed the state average. In English, Kirksville students posted a 23.4 compared to the state average of 21.5. In Math, the District scored 23 compared to the state’s 21; in Reading, the district scored 23 compared to the state’s 22.0; and in Science, the district scored 22.7 compared to the state’s 21.6.

The ACT also assesses students’ readiness for college coursework by establishing benchmarks in designated subject areas. The percent of students at Kirksville High School that met readiness levels in college algebra was 18% higher than the national average. In English composition, Kirksville students exceeded the national average by 8%.

A total of 116 Kirksville students took the ACT, a high number relative to other districts in the state and an increase from the 98 students who took the test last year.

“We are pleased that Kirksville students continue to demonstrate strong performance on the ACT. These scores are one of several indicators the District uses to assess our program of education. We are also monitoring the percentage of seniors who take the exam,” said Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Mike Bartig.

The ACT is the most popular college-entry exam in Missouri and most other Midwestern states. A perfect score on the test is 36.