Milbank ACT Scores Below State Average

The 2017 ACT scores for Milbank students were released and discussed by the Milbank School District Board of Education during the board’s regular meeting September 11. Superintendent Tim Graf reported 76% of last year’s graduates completed the exam, with scores slightly lower than the previous year, and lower than the state average as reported by the South Dakota Department of Education.

According to the data, Milbank’s composite score was 21.3; the state average was 21.8 and the national average was 21.0. The composite score also reflects sub-scores in English, mathematics, reading, and science. 2017 scores for MHS compared to the state average (listed in parentheses) include: English, 20.1 (20.7); mathematics, 21.0 (21.5); reading, 21.3 (22.3); and science, 22.0 (22.0). The scores also are the lowest for the district in the last five years. Previous scores included 22.1 (2016), 22.3 (2015), 22.2 (2014), and 23.9 (2013).

South Dakota saw an increase in graduating seniors who took the ACT in 2017. About 80 percent took the test in 2017, up from 76 percent in 2016. Nationally, 60 percent of 2017 graduates took the ACT. Of the six states that tested 70 to 90 percent of their students, South Dakota had the second-highest average ACT composite score.

“Four percent more of the 2017 graduating class took the ACT than their predecessors. That’s good news because it means more students are thinking about an education beyond high school, which is critically important when you consider today’s workforce demands,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Melody Schopp.