ACT scores for South Dakota students have risen for the third consecutive year, but Native American students struggled again on the test this year, according to the South Dakota Department of Education. South Dakota's average composite ACT score reached 22 in 2008, joining only 14 other states that had composite scores higher than 22. The state's scores in math, science and reading rose, but English scores fell slightly.

Colleges often use ACT scores in admission decisions, course placement and scholarships and loans.

Native American student scores decreased slightly from 2007. In 2004, the average composite score for Native American students was 17.1. In 2008, it was 17.5.

"We've seen some good progress over the last five years, but we need to continue to focus on strategies that will help our Native American students reach their highest potential," state Education Secretary Rick Melmer said.

Native American students constitute 11 percent of the student population in the state's public schools; only 2 percent of students enrolled in South Dakota's state universities are Native American, according to the South Dakota Department of Education.

Melmer noted that programs such as GEAR UP - formally known as Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs - which emphasize rigorous academics and social support to encourage Native students to complete high school and pursue postsecondary education, are important.

He said he was pleased with the overall state results this year.

"Not only did we see an increase in our composite score for 2008, but we also saw a significant increase in the number of students taking core courses that help students with college readiness," he said.

Of the 6,959 students in the graduating class of 2008 who took the ACT, 68 percent indicated that they took ACT's recommended core curriculum. That is up from 58 percent in 2007. ACT's core curriculum mirrors South Dakota's requirements for high school graduation and the Opportunity Scholarship.

"We're driving more students into rigorous, challenging core courses, which means they'll be better prepared for postsecondary work and success," Melmer said.

Students who reported taking core coursework achieved an average composite score of 22.8, compared to 19.8 for those who took less than the recommended core. Those who took core classes also consistently outperformed their non-core counterparts in each of the four ACT subject areas.

Contact Kayla Gahagan at 394-8410 or kayla.gahagan@rapidcityjournal.com