Robbinsdale ACT Average Same As Last Year

The average ACT score for Robbinsdale students in 2011 was higher than the national average and lower than the state.

The composite score of and high schools was 22.6. The composite score of the state this year was 22.9 and the U.S. score was 21.1. The composite score combines the students' scores in English, math, reading and science.

The Robbinsdale score was the same as it was in 2010, and 0.2 higher than it was in 2009 (see the PDF with this story).

“Both high schools are working hard to increase participation in rigorous coursework,” said Superintendent Aldo Sicoli. “We know that rigorous coursework in high school leads to further success down the road.”

The percentage of high schoolers in the Robbinsdale district taking what the ACT labels as core classes rose from 83 percent in 2010 to 88 percent in 2011. The schools have also increased participation in college preparation programs.

“Our students are leaving our high schools with tools they need to excel in life,” Sicoli said.

The state composite score is the same it was in 2010.

“I couldn’t be more pleased with the strong performance of Minnesota’s high school students on this year’s ACT exam," Minnesota Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius said in a written statement. "Our students not only continue to make gains in college readiness standards, but more students than ever are taking the exams."

Seventy-two percent of high school students in the state took the test this year, compared to 49 percent throughout the nation. The percentage of Robbinsdale students taking the test wasn't immediately available. The assessments, Cassellius said, measure students' readiness for college and career.

"Given the fact that low-income students are given the opportunity to take the exams at no cost—not once, but twice during their high school career—it is unacceptable that we don’t have 100 percent participation among our high school students," she said.