“So, I think in terms of the decline, I think we have more students taking the exam than we’ve had before. “I do think Iowa has something to be proud of that we lead the nation and in those scores overall,” Degner said. The Iowa City Community School District is looking at more rigorous core curriculum for students, as well as initiatives on equal opportunities to make sure all demographics are served, district Assistant Superintendent Matt Degner said. While ACT has seen a decline in English and math scores for Iowa students, the numbers follow national trends, Colby said. It’s on the students themselves and their parents to make sure they’re taking the courses they need to succeed and the right number of classes in each subject, he added. The biggest factor in college readiness is the quality and rigor of the high school students take, Colby said. “Because we’re seeing them as trends, not just as a single year gauge.” “We’re seeing some declining scores in Iowa, which yes, I would say is concerning,” Colby said. “While there’s more to do, today’s news is a testament to all of the great work underway.”Ī decline over one year is not something ACT typically puts a lot of stock into Ed Colby, ACT senior director of media and public relations, said, but seeing a decline over multiple years is something it watches for. “Schools are doing more than ever to ensure that all students are ready for the demands of college or career training,” Wise said in the prepared statement. RELATED: New ACT section retakes and ‘superscoring’ create a ‘paradigm shift’ in the college admission processīoth Reynolds and Wise acknowledged that Iowa has room to improve its average, with Reynolds mentioning the state should continue the development of programs connecting people with the training and education needed for successful careers. “The results reflect our commitment to education and the need to do even more to better prepare our young people for the future.” “Iowa’s leading the nation in ACT scores, an important measurement to determine college and career readiness,” Reynolds said in the prepared statement. Kim Reynolds and Iowa Department of Education Director Ryan Wise issued statements in response to Iowa having the highest average composite ACT score in the nation.