High school students’ scores on the ACT college admissions test have dropped to their lowest in more than three decades, showing a lack of student preparedness for college-level coursework, according to the nonprofit organization that administers the test.
Scores have been falling for six consecutive years, but the trend accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students in the class of 2023 whose scores were reported Wednesday were in their first year of high school when the virus reached the U.S.
“The hard truth is that we are not doing enough to ensure that graduates are truly ready for postsecondary success in college and career,” said Janet Godwin, chief executive officer for the nonprofit ACT.
The average ACT composite score for U.S. students was 19.5 out of 36. Last year, the average score was 19.8.
Or maybe you’re not recognizing how we are evolving as a species. Traditional schooling is becoming less relevant as technology improves and disciplines become more specialized. Only the most dedicated students will be able to reach that specialization, and everyone else can supplement general academic knowledge with technology.
It’ll be an interesting few decades ahead. I’m saying things nobody really wants to admit, but a lot of people feel are true. They just need it to be articulated.
The ones who will stop progress here are those with survivor bias and those profiting off of the current system.