Record Numbers of Black, Hispanic Texas Students Take ACT

AUSTIN

Hispanic students taking the ACT college entrance exam reached an all-time high this year, making up 25 percent of the students tested in the state, the Texas Education Agency said last week.

``We're encouraged by this rise in participation among minority students,'' said Shirley Neeley, Texas education commissioner. ``We need to do all we can to help all students, regardless of race or family income, prepare themselves for college, trade school, the military or other post-high school options.''

This year, 17,969 Hispanic students took the ACT, up from 15,695 in 2001. The state also saw a jump in Black students who took the test, from 7,788 in 2001 to 9,527 this year.

While the participation rate increased, the state's score remained unchanged at 20.2 out of a possible 36. The national average is 20.9.

The ACT includes four test sections covering, English, reading, math and science. Texas students lagged the national average in science, English and reading.

``It's disappointing to see the English and reading scores drop slightly,'' Neeley said. ``We've got to do a better job preparing our high school students.''

— Associated Press