DES MOINES, IOWA (October 30, 2019) — Governor Kim Reynolds issued the following statement in response to ACT’s national release of assessment results, which show Iowa’s average composite score tied for first in the country among states that tested more than half of students in the Class of 2019:
“Iowa’s leading the nation in ACT scores, an important measurement to determine college and career readiness. The results reflect our commitment to education and the need to do even more to better prepare our young people for the future,” said Gov Reynolds. “It’s why Iowa must continue to build on innovative programs that connect individuals to the training and education required for rewarding careers.”
Iowa Department of Education Director Ryan Wise issued the following statement:
“Schools are doing more than ever to ensure that all students are ready for the demands of college or career-training. While there’s more to do, today’s news is a testament to all of the great work underway. In my weekly visits to schools across the state, I’m inspired by students taking ownership of their learning and teachers committed to preparing students for success beyond high school.”
Iowa and South Dakota had an average composite score of 21.6 out of a possible 36. Iowa’s score declined slightly from the previous year (21.8), but remains well above the national average (20.7). The 22,965 Iowa students who took the ACT represent 66 percent of last spring’s graduating class.
