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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2002

News Release

Statement of Bob Chase, National Education Association President, on ACT Progress

The report on ACT data for the high school class of 2002 is evidence that America's public schools are encouraging more students to seek higher education.

College-bound students took the test in record numbers. More than 1.1 million graduating students nationwide took the test in 2002, up from about 800,000 in 1992. Their average national ACT score is 20.8, which is virtually identical to 2001's average of 21.0. This year's pool of test-takers includes an additional 30,000 students who had not considered college as an option at the time they took the test; many of them had not taken the usual rigorous college preparatory classes offered in their high schools.

The expanded pool of test-takers is a good sign -- reflecting a positive payoff for years of emphasizing standards and increasing public school resources. The growing numbers of students tested are particularly impressive when you take into account the economic and social diversity of students attending America's public schools.

We cannot declare victory yet, but we will never stop working for better opportunities for all students.

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.