30% who took ACT are set for college science

Figures released by ACT show 30 percent of the more than 12,000 students got a minimum score in science, which shows they have a 50 percent chance of getting at least a B in college biology and a 75 percent chance of getting at least a C.

And only 26 percent achieved "benchmark" scores, showing they have the knowledge to get those grades in all four testing areas: English composition, college algebra, college social science and college biology.

State School Superintendent Tom Horne said what's important is that these scores are higher than the national average. "It's important for the public to know that because they hear so many negative things about Arizona education."

But Rep. Rich Crandall, R-Mesa, who heads the House Education Committee, said there's less good news in those numbers than it appears.

He pointed out only 15 percent of Arizona seniors took the test, which is not required. That 15 percent, Crandall said, are the ones most likely looking to go on to college.

By contrast, 45 percent of seniors nationwide took the ACT. And a few states, like Colorado, require the test of all seniors.

With only those who are bound for college taking the tests, Crandall said Arizona test scores should be a lot better than the rest of the nation.

Horne, however, said the results are impressive since the number of students taking the test has increased in the last five years, from 10,470 in the class of 2005 to 12,550 this year.

But while the number of seniors who take the test has gone up, in keeping with the state's rapid population growth, the percentage of Arizona seniors who get tested as dropped. This year's 15 percent down from 19 percent five years ago and 28 percent in 1999.

The scores, especially the ones showing only 30 percent of Arizona ACT test-takers are ready to do college-level science, will only add fuel to the debate of how well Arizona schools are getting students ready for college so they can get jobs.

"The rigor of our science is not on par with the rigor of science in either other states or other countries," Crandall said. "And the same with our rigor of math."

Horne called that 30 percent figure a "concern." But he said that figure is still higher than the national average.

But Crandall said the importance of the scores is mitigated by how few Arizona seniors are taking the test.

"It's very, very misleading to say we're above the national average when only 15 percent of your kids take it," he said.

Crandall said if all Arizona seniors were required to take the test, and not just those planning a higher education, Arizona's scores would be lower.

In Colorado, for example, the average overall score was 20.8, compared with the 21.1 national figure and 21.9 for Arizona.

Horne blamed some of the decline since 1999, when 28 percent took the test, on a high level of illegal immigration, when a lot of new students were introduced into Arizona schools without the skills to take the test.

Andrea Smiley, speaking for the state Board of Regents, said participation by Arizona students may also be muted because students in the top 25 percent of their class are guaranteed admission to state schools, and do not have to take any college entrance exam.

by the numbers

Percentage of students that ACT tests indicate are likely ready for college work in major subject areas:

Subject Arizona National

Composition 73% 67%

Algebra 52% 42%

Social science 60% 53%

Biology 30% 28%

Meeting all four 26% 23%

SOURCE: ACT

Percentage of high school seniors taking ACT in Arizona and the nation:

Year Arizona National

2009 15% 45%

2004 20% 40%

1999 28% 36%

1994 28% 36%

SOURCE: ACT