ACT Scores
Date posted: 11/07/2007
Quick Data Links
Chart Directory:
In 2000, Colorado State Law made participating in the American College Testing Program (ACT) mandatory for all 11th grade students. The first implementation of required testing was in 2001 for school year 2000-2001. According to the Colorado Department of Education, the purpose of (Educational Reform related to Standards and Assessments) in Colorado is to institute an accountability system to define and measure academic quality in education and thus to help public schools of Colorado to achieve such quality and to expand the life opportunities and options of the students of this state. Further, a stated purpose is to provide to local school boards and local schools assistance in helping their patrons to determine the relative value of their school program as compared to its cost.
Composite ACT scores are an average of the English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science Reasoning portions of the test. The ACT test can be taken more than once, and potential scores range from 0 to 36. If a student refuses to take the test or tests are disqualified for any reason, ACT still counts the student or the test result. In this case, a score of zero (0) is entered and averaged into the district scores.
What this chart shows: Average ACT Composite Scores in Colorado and Larimer County School Districts, 2003 to 2007
Data Source: Colorado Department of Education
Note: The year on the chart, and in the table, reflect the year the test was administered. For example, 2003 chart date was school year 2002-2003 with the test being administered in 2003.
What these data tell us:
In general, from 2003 to 2007, Larimer County School Districts had higher ACT scores than the Colorado average. In the 2004 school year, Park School District scores decreased by four points, placing it below the Colorado average. The manner of administration of the test to special education students at Estes Park High School was rejected by ACT, which resulted in seven (7) zeros added to the Park School District composite score. Given the small number of students taking the test, this would account for a seemingly large decrease in composite score.Additional Information:
Universities use a combination of standardized testing score and grade point average (GPA) to determine student admission. For example, Colorado State University bases admission criteria on a combination of an ACT or SAT score and a GPA as a measure of overall academic performance. Applicant narratives and supporting documents are also considered, which may allow for admission by an applicant with lower scores. The written sections of the ACT and SAT are not used for admission or scholarship consideration.
On Compass-
- Average Teacher Salary
- CSAP scores
- Drop-Out Rates
- Enrollment by Ethnicity
- Enrollment by School District
- Enrollment in Public, Private, and Home Schooling
- Funding per Pupil in District
- High School Graduation Rate (by School District, Ethnicity, & Gender)
- Pupil/ Teacher Ratio
- Special Needs Enrollment
- Teachers by Ethnicity & Gender
Outside Compass-
- Ask Colorado - Interactive online librarian service from Colorado libraries
- Colorado Data Book - Colorado Office of Economic Development report on Education in Colorado
- Colorado Department of Education
- Park School District
- Planning for College - this website has information for students, parents and educators including admissions testing, choosing and applying to schools, and applying for financial aid.
- Poudre School District
- Thompson School District
Standards or Target: N/A
Data Table:
Average Composite ACT Scores for Colorado & Larimer County School Districts
|
Colorado |
Park |
Poudre |
Thompson |
|
|
2002 |
18.6 |
21.5 |
20.1 |
18.9 |
|
2003 |
19.0 |
22.1 |
20.1 |
19.6 |
|
2004 |
18.8 |
18.1 |
20.1 |
19.4 |
|
2005 |
19.0 |
20.3 |
20.6 |
19.3 |
|
2006 |
19.0 |
20.6 |
21.0 |
19.8 |
|
2007 |
19.1 |
20.4 |
20.5 |
19.2 |