(Duluth - August 20, 2009)   Duluth Public School officials today announced local results of the 2009 ACT Assessment, a national college entrance exam.  The ACT consists of tests in English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science.  ACT results are accepted by virtually all U.S. colleges and universities

"Results show we're outperforming state and national averages," says Dr. Joseph Hill, Assistant Superintendent for Duluth Public Schools.  "They also show growth, which is good news.  It's even better when you consider that Minnesota had the highest average score in the nation on the ACT exam this year for the fifth year in a row."  

This is the twelfth year in a row Duluth outperformed national and state averages.  Hill credits the results to hard work on the part of students, teachers, staff and parents.

2009 Results:

Nation:  21.1

Minnesota:  22.7

Duluth Public Schools:  23.5

  "We're well above both the state and nation in college readiness benchmarks in English Composition, Social Science, and Biology," says Hill.   "We're on par with the state and above the nation in Algebra." 

Hill says teachers, staff and administration continue to review and evaluate the rigor of current courses and work to engage students in early college and career awareness.  The district also works to establish partnerships with postsecondary schools to further understand what students need to know to be ready for college and the workplace.

"We're working to establish a school culture that understands the importance of high expectations," says Hill.  "We continue to monitor our student's progress to ensure they're progressing toward college readiness."  

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