The ACT test assesses high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work, and according to the South Dakota Department of Education, our students passed.

South Dakota's students average ACT composite score was a 22 this year. The exact same score as last year but the Department of Education has looked big picture and has seen steady improvement in recent years.

Communications Director Mary Stadick Smith of the South Dakota Department of Education says, "South Dakota has over the last 5 years seen our scores growing bit by bit which is a great thing."

The ACT scores by 4 different subject areas english, math, reading and science. This year South Dakota scored a 21.2 compared to a national average of 20.6 in english. South dakota's ACT math score was 21.8 compared to a 21 nationally. In reading South Dakota extended it's increase compared to the national average with a 22.3 compared to a 21.4. Finally, in science, we averaged a 22 compared to a 20.9 nationally. In all four subject areas South Dakota faired better than the national average.

Mary Stadick Smith summarizes that, "South Dakota held steady in all of those individual areas this past year, so again, I just think it's a testament to our schools and teachers, our students and our families."