Nevada Juniors' ACT Scores Remain Flat, Low For 2nd Year

(AP) — Only 10 percent of Nevada's high school juniors are considered college-ready in four core subjects based on their ACT test scores.

The Nevada Department of Education reported on Monday that the average composite score on the college entrance exam was 17.4 out of 36, and remained unchanged from last year. This is the second year that virtually all 11th graders in the state took the exam, rather than just the college-bound students.

State superintendent Steve Canavero said the scores are not officials wanted to see and called it a "statewide cry that our students deserve more."

He said he believes many Nevada education initiatives launched and funded last year will help improve students' academic performance, but said many high schoolers are missing out on programs targeted to younger students.