Class of 2023 Posts Worst ACT Performance in Over 30 Years

Newly released data reveals that the class of 2023 had the poorest performance on the ACT exam in more than three decades. This alarming trend underscores the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on academic achievement and test scores at all levels of education. The pandemic disrupted the education of these students, who were in their first year of high school when it began.

The overall composite score for the class of 2023, which takes into account the English, math, reading, and science sections, was a disappointing 19.5 out of 36. This represents the lowest score since at least 1991, according to Allie Ciaramella, a spokesperson for the nonprofit organization responsible for administering the ACT. It also indicates a slight decrease from the already concerning 19.8 score achieved by the class of 2022, which had set a 30-year low.

The impact of these scores is significant. Over 40% of graduating seniors failed to meet any of the ACT's college readiness benchmarks, which are the minimum scores required for predicted success in college courses, as reported by the testing organization. This is just one aspect of a troubling trend of declining average scores over the past six years, as stated by ACT CEO Janet Godwin. She admitted that there is a pressing need to better prepare graduates for success in college and career.

Notably, the decline in test scores is not exclusive to the class of 2023. Since the start of the pandemic, test scores across all age groups have reached historic lows. This gloomy situation is accompanied by a three-year decline in college enrollment, prompting many institutions to reconsider the importance of standardized tests as a requirement for admission.

The data highlights the urgent need for a renewed focus on education and support for students in order to bridge the gaps caused by the pandemic and ensure their readiness for postsecondary success.