Press Release

August 17, 1999

For Immediate Release

ACT SCORES DROP; MORE STUDENTS TAKE THE TEST

Denver Public Schools announced today that its 1998-99 American College Test (ACT) composite test scores decreased to 19.1 from 19.7 the previous year.

A total of 1,220 students took the test, 92 more students than the previous year. The ACT is a requirement for admission to many colleges and universities.

Bernadette Seick, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education expressed disappointment in the lower scores, saying they are "unacceptable."

"Every high school has strategies in place to improve achievement in college entrance exams. We'll be taking another look at those strategies to see what is effective and what can be improved," she said.

"I am encouraged that more students are taking the test, which indicates that more DPS students are planning to continue their education," Seick added.

Despite the lower district scores, Seick pointed to some bright spots:

• At North High School, the number of Hispanic students taking the test increased from 51 students in 1997-1998 to 69 students in 1998-1999. At the same time, the average composite score for Hispanic students increased from 16.3 to 17.5. North High Principal Joe Sandoval noted that students and parents are notified repeatedly about the test and that test-taking strategies are part of the curriculum for all juniors.

The average composite score nationwide for the 1998-1999 school remained unchanged over the previous year at 21.0 while the Colorado state average went down a tenth of a point to 21.5.