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Also alarming are continued and widening gaps between racial groups. The average composite score for white students was 22.4, up from 22.1 in 2008. Average scores for Asians have risen even faster, from 22.9 to 23.6. But the average composite score for black students remains substantially lower and has risen just 0.1 points, from 16.9 to 17.0. Composite scores for Hispanic students were 18.9, up from 18.7 both a year ago and in 2008. While 42 percent of Asians and 32 percent of whites met college-readiness benchmarks in all four subject areas, just 13 percent of Hispanics and 5 percent of black students did so. "We still have a disparity in terms of the equity of education in our country, in both the equal distribution of quality teachers and quality curriculum across schools," Erickson said. "Hopefully things like the common core state standard movement will help level the playing field." ACT defines its college readiness benchmarks as the minimum scores that predict a student has a 75 percent chance of earning a C or higher, or a 50 percent chance of earning a B or higher, in a typical first-year college course in that subject. "While there are some encouraging signs in this new data, we have a long way to go towards making sure our students are prepared for success in college and that they are graduating ready to compete in the global economy," said Education Secretary Arne Duncan.
[Associated
Press;
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