The Louisiana Department of Education says the number of public high school seniors who scored an 18 or higher on ACT standardized test—high enough to enter college without remedial work—continues to grow.
Data released today by the department shows 24,619 graduating seniors this spring earned an 18 or higher, or 959 more than who scored the same last year. That’s also 6,312 more than who scored an 18 or higher in 2012, an increase of 34.5%. Louisiana’s average ACT score is 19.4 on a 36-point scale, the department says.
The number of students who scored well enough to earn scholarships through the state’s TOPS free college tuition program also increased. Nearly 1,000 more students reached a score to be eligible for TOPS than in the previous year, according to the education department. Compared to 2012, 7,372 more students tested eligible for TOPS this year.
State Superintendent John White credited rising standards and accountability changes for the improvements.
