Math Scores Slide to a 20-Year Low on ACT
- 2018-10-29
- Education Week
The average math score for the graduating class of 2018 was 20.5, marking a steady decline from 20.9 five years ago, and virtually no progress since 1998, when it was 20.6. Each of the four sections of the college-entrance exam is graded on a 36-point scale.
The pattern in math scores is particularly worrisome at a time when strong math skills are important for the science, engineering, and technology jobs that play powerful roles in the U.S. economy, he said.
The number of students taking the ACT declined for a second consecutive year, but the most recent drop was much bigger.
ACT has suffered key losses in its battle for market share against the College Board, which owns the SAT.