The average ACT composite score for students who graduated from Denver Public Schools in 2003 is 17.4, down a tenth of a point from a year ago. This is the second year that the ACT scores reflect the results of eleventh grade testing as mandated by Colorado law. These scores include students who took the test as eleventh-graders as well as those who may have retaken the test as seniors in 2002 for college entrance purposes.

This year, 2,867 DPS students reported ACT scores, up slightly from last year.

Colorado ACT average composite scores this year were the same as for last year, 20.1, which is slightly below the national average of 20.8. This is most likely due to the statewide use of this test for eleventh grade students, which results in inclusion of scores for students who are not preparing for college.

Academic preparation is a key factor in a student’s scores on the ACT test. This year, students who reported having taken a core of academic courses to prepare for college had average composite scores of 18.7, while those who had not taken the academic core averaged 16.2.

“This result underlines the critical importance for students to take a solid academic schedule,” said Wayne Eckerling, assistant superintendent for Research, Planning and Special Programs. “The core program required for graduation includes four years of English, three each of math and science, and two and a half of social studies. This is substantially the same as the ACT core curriculum and is well designed to ensure that all district students have the necessary preparation for college.”

For more information, contact the Public Information Office at 720-423-3414.