UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION NEWS

Statement by U.S. Secretary of Educ. Richard W. Riley on 1998 ACT Test Results

August 18, 1998

All students know that high scores on college entrance tests like the ACT help them get into college. Unfortunately, it seems that many students and families still do not know the importance of taking core subjects and advanced math and science courses in middle and high school to prepare them for college entrance tests and the rigorous academics of college.

I am pleased that with more students taking the ACT, the scores of both boys and girls improved in 1998 and are the highest ever over the past decade. These results show that nationwide efforts to raise academic standards and encourage students to take tougher courses are very important. There is tremendous test advantage to students who take high-level courses including trigonometry, calculus, chemistry and physics in high school.

The challenge now is to get all students prepared for postsecondary education and on track for college. Research shows that students are more likely to go to college when they receive early information about the right courses to take, and the availability of financial aid. That's why I will continue to work with Congress to pass the President's High Hopes for College initiative to give middle school students, at an early age, the academic and financial guidance they need to realize that college can be part of their future.