Harlan High School’s graduating class of 2012 continued the school’s trend of marked improvement in ACT scores according to recently released data. Compared to last year, Harlan High’s seniors of 2012 scored higher in every content area tested and earned the highest scores in each area over the past four years. The students scored 22.0 in English, 20.2 in math, 21.5 in reading, 20.8 in science, and 21.3 for an overall composite score. Each of these scores was well above the state average. The English, reading, and composite scores were also above the national average.

Scores on the ACT are used by colleges to make admissions decisions, to offer financial scholarships, and to estimate a student’s readiness for college coursework. The school’s class of 2012 ranked above the state average in all areas for students ready for college work with the highest percentage in English where 77 percent of the class scored ready for college English composition.

“In today’s competitive economic environment, a college education is important for the financial future of our children,” said David Johnson, superintendent of Harlan Independent School District. “Research during the recent economic recession showed that people with more education generally earned a higher income and had a lower unemployment rate during those difficult times. We take very seriously our responsibility to prepare our community’s children for an education after graduation.”

Harlan High School’s junior class of 2012 also scored well on the ACT exam with scores exceeding state averages in all areas. With all students tested, the juniors scored 20.9 in English, 19.8 in math, 20.4 in reading, 19.8 in science, and 20.3 for the overall composite score. The composite score ranked the district 18^th in the state among Kentucky’s 174 public school districts.

Two-thirds of the juniors reached the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education’s college readiness benchmarks in English and half or more in math and reading.

“We are particularly pleased that half or more of our juniors have already scored at or above the college readiness benchmark and are ready to begin college coursework,” noted Johnson. “While we will always work to continually improve for our students, we appreciate the hard work of our students and staff toward this achievement.”

The ACT is administered to all juniors each spring and is included in the state’s assessment and accountability system.