ACT Scores Up Among Hispanic Students

     ACT’s report, State of College Readiness for Latino Students, found that 2006 high-school graduates were better prepared in math, English and science than 2002 graduates. The report stated that students increased their average ACT composite, English, math, reading and science scores between 2002 and 2006. It also showed that about 19,000 more Hispanic students took the ACT test in 2006 than 2002. 
The report shows that more Hispanic students are taking challenging high-school courses. In addition, between 2002 and 2006, there was a greater percentage of Hispanic students enrolled in higher-level math courses, such as calculus and trigonometry, and higher-level science courses, such as chemistry and physics.
More than half of the Hispanic high-school graduates who had been tested went on to enroll in two or four-year colleges, Cynthia B. Schmeiser, president of ACT;s education division, said in a news release. “We’re pleased to see that more and more Latino students are becoming prepared for college. This report shows the importance of rigorous coursework as a solid foundation for college readiness for all students.”
But not all of the news in the report was good. The improvement in reading was not significant enough to mean that college readiness in the subject increased. The report recommends that to improve students’ readiness for college and the workplace, schools should:  Encourage Hispanic students to take the core curriculum and higher-level courses in high school; evaluate the content of high school courses in the core areas; establish high expectations for Hispanic students and provide student guidance; and align curriculum with high-school and college standards.  

— Teachers of Color