Local students fare well on ACT

Scores for the ACT college readiness test were released recently, and local students exceeded state and national average scores in all subject areas.

Washougal High School students had a composite score of 26.3, above the state average of 22.9, and the national average of 21.1. Camas High School students had a composite score of 24.1 percent.

A composite score consists of four content areas: English, reading, math and science. Scores are scaled from 1 to 36.

In 2011, WHS seniors scored 23.9 and CHS seniors scored 25.2.

Approximately 10 percent of the class of 2012 took the ACT at Washougal High, while 27 percent of CHS students took it.

“Though just 10 percent of Washougal High School students took the test, those that took it did very well and we are very pleased to see this progress,” said David Tudor, curriculum director. “We plan to increase the number of students participating in these college readiness tests. A larger sample size of data will help to inform our instructional system and our goal of students leaving our district college and career ready.”

Jeff Snell, Camas School District deputy superintendent, said the ACT is one indicator of students readiness for college.

“The Camas School District looks at a variety of indicators to determine if we’re better preparing students for their future,” he said. “Examples of other indicators might be state assessments, grades, SAT results, or AP results. Camas is seeing growth in multiple indicators. The ACT indicator also shows that Camas students are excelling at a higher level than the state and national averages.”

Washington students had the fifth highest average composite score in the nation. Statewide, just over 21 percent of Washington 12th graders (13,929) took the ACT in the 2011-12 school year, a record for ACT participation in this state, according to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.