The Kentucky Department of Education has released the latest ACT scores for graduating public high school students, which show slight improvements over the previous year.But only half of students meet the state’s standards for college readiness. Kentucky's graduating seniors went from 19.2 to 19.5, which is still short of the national average. However, the national average includes private school results as well.Under the state’s new accountability measures, ACT graduate scores are one factor used to determine whether a student is ready for post-secondary education. The scores are also factored into a larger accountability measure, and the first report using this measure is due later this year. JCPS Superintendent Donna Hargens said that system has created stricter standards, and when the results are released in the fall, it’ll be a reality check. She said many students may find themselves less proficient in many subjects under the new accountability system, but that may better show where students need help.“When you know where you are and you know where you want to go then you create a way to get there. So that’s an opportunity to help our students achieve, even a higher standard," she said.The state also released data for public school juniors. Kentucky students went from 18.8 to 19.0, while JCPS went from 18.5 to 18.6.JCPS juniors that met the ACT benchmarks for college readiness include: 37.4 percent in reading, 38 percent in math and 46.9 in English.JCPS made gains in the number of students meeting benchmarks in English and Math, but numbers fell in reading.
