Tennessee Ahead of Only Mississippi in ACT Scores

While across the country just one in four high school graduates taking the ACT is prepared for college, the figure is more like one in seven here in Tennessee. The state is just one spot from the very bottom when it comes to college-readiness.

Tennessee is one of only eight states that requires every student to take the ACT, meaning graduates who aren’t college-bound still take the test. But even of those, only Mississippi has a lower score.

The state’s average ACT score – even including private school students – dropped by a tenth of a point over the last year to 19.5 out of a possible 36. According to information released by the test maker, only 24 percent of students are ready for college math and 17 percent make the grade in science. Just 15 percent of students meet college readiness benchmarks in all four subjects, which also include English and reading.

In a statement, Tennessee Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman says he’s encouraged by progress that’s occurring in earlier grades. But he says the new report from ACT gives a “sense of urgency” to making sure the momentum is sustained through graduation.

Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor John Morgan says the state spends $26 million a year in remedial course work for underprepared college students.