Georgia’s students showed continued improvement on the ACT in 2017, increasing the state’s average composite score and the percentage of students meeting the ACT College Readiness Benchmarks.

Georgia’s average composite score of 21.4 was higher, for the second consecutive year and the second time in state history, than the national average of 21. Georgia also outperformed the nation in English, reading, science, and mathematics.

“Georgia students continue to increase their scores – and outpace the nation – on the ACT,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “This is a testament to the hard work of Georgia’s students and educators as they enjoy greater flexibility and fewer state restrictions in the classroom. We are seeing our students’ performance trending upward on multiple indicators of academic achievement, and seeing positive signs like a four-percentage-point jump in the percentage of students meeting the College Readiness Benchmark for reading is encouraging as we continue to focus on literacy.”

Georgia students’ scores increase

Georgia students’ average composite score rose from 21.1 in 2016 to 21.4 in 2017, with all subject area scores increasing as well: from 20.7 to 21 in English, 20.6 to 20.9 in mathematics, 21.8 to 22 in reading, and 21 to 21.3 in science. All of these subject-area scores outpaced the national averages of 20.3 in English, 20.7 in mathematics, 21.4 in reading, and 21 in science.

Between 2013 and 2017, the number of students taking the ACT in Georgia has increased by 8,926 students.

Gains across subject areas

In addition to a rising composite score, the percentage of students meeting the ACT College Readiness Benchmarks increased in all subject areas: from 65 to 66 percent in English, 40 to 41 percent in mathematics, 47 to 51 percent in reading, and 36 to 38 percent in science. The College Readiness Benchmarks are scores on the ACT subject-area tests that represent the level of achievement required for students to have a 50 percent chance of obtaining a B or higher, or about a 75 percent chance of obtaining a C or higher, in corresponding credit-bearing first-year college courses.     

2017 ACT results also bought positive news in the area of equity, as the average composite scores for Georgia’s two largest minority groups increased. The average score for African American students increased from 18 in 2016 to 18.1 in 2017, and the average score for Hispanic students increased from 20.2 in 2016 to 20.5 in 2017.