State ACT Scores Higher Than National Average

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Members of South Dakota's high school graduating class of 2013 who took the ACT college readiness assessment scored higher than the national average.

The test assesses students in reading, English, math and science reasoning. The report from the American College Testing company says South Dakota test-takers had an average composite score of 21.9 on a scale of 1 to 36. The national average was 20.9.

Nearly 80 percent of South Dakota's 2013 graduates took the test. State Education Secretary Melody Schopp says the fact that such a high percentage of students take the test and also perform well is a good indication that they're planning to continue their education after high school. She says that's "a must in today's world."

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.