Aptitude Test Scores For Local H.S. Seniors Above National Avg But Participation Rates Aren't
By David Madden
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - American College Testing (ACT) scores are in for the class of 2012, and those who took the test in Pennsylvania and New Jersey surpassed the national average, although the numbers can be a little deceiving.
In English, math, reading and science, local scores in the ACT's were above the national average, but not by much. At least in Harrisburg, they're not satisfied.
Pennsylvania Education Department spokesman Tim Eller says standards have to be raised, beginning this fall when 11th graders will be taking a new test.
"The Keystone Exams will start to be implemented for students as they complete courses in algebra one, biology and literature and the Keystone Exams are a more rigorous test.
Unlike the ACT's or the more popular SAT's, the Keystone Exams won't be optional.
Only 18% of graduating seniors in Pennsylvania took the ACT's last term and 20% in New Jersey, which was well below the national average of 52% of high school seniors who participated.
