Minnesota students lead nation on ACT scores

Standardized testing
A high school student takes a test.
Photo courtesy of American RadioWorks

(AP) - Minnesota's high school Class of 2008 posted the highest average ACT score in the nation and even beat the Class of 2007.

Minnesota has now led the nation in average ACT scores for four years in a row.

The state's graduating seniors who took the college entrance exam earned an average composite score of 22.6, compared with 22.5 last year. The national average was 21.1 out of a possible 36 points.

The ACT is taken by the majority of graduates in 26 states, including Minnesota. Iowa was second in the nation with a 22.4, followed by Wisconsin with 22.3.

The state Education Department says data collected by ACT from students indicates a strong correlation between taking a rigorous high school curriculum and higher scores.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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