College entrance exam scores in Kentucky dropped in 2019.
A report released on Wednesday shows that Kentucky high school graduates who took the ACT exam in English, mathematics, reading, and science experienced a two-point percentage drop in meeting college readiness benchmarks compared to last year.
The decrease moves students from 20 percent readiness in 2018 to 18 percent this year. Composite scores were also down statewide, from 19.9 percent to 19.5 percent, according to education officials.
The drop is larger than the national average, which also saw an overall decline in scores.
“I am disappointed to see declines in all subject areas and composite scores,” Kentucky Education Commissioner Wayne Lewis said about the drop in scores.
ACT College Readiness Benchmarks represent the minimum score needed on an ACT subject-area test to indicate a 50 percent chance of obtaining a B or higher, or about a 75 percent chance of obtaining a C or higher in credit-bearing college courses.
The data also showed achievement gaps between racial groups. White students scored an average composite of 20.2, African-American students scored an average of 16.6 and Hispanic/Latino students scored an average of 18.1.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
