Throughout the state, the 63,104 public school graduates increased their average score in most areas, according to state officials. The average scores in each subject area were 19.7 in English, up 0.2 points; 19.5 in math, up 0.1; 20.7 in reading, up 0.3 points; and 20.3 in science, the same score as 2017.

“With these results, more students are able to receive scholarship dollars, gain entry to post-secondary programs, and eliminate the need for remedial classes, allowing them to start their journey to lifetime success from day one,” Education Commissioner Candice McQueen said in a press release.

The official results released Wednesday included each district’s “best of” results for 2018, meaning that if a ­­­student took the ACT multiple times, the highest scores were recorded.

Unicoi County recorded a composite average of 19.9, Johnson County Schools averaged 19.2, Elizabethton City Schools averaged 21.9, Carter County Schools recorded a 19.3, Washington County Schools recorded a 20.7 and Johnson City Schools ended with a 22.3.

Local district officials were pleased with this year’s results.

“Science Hill High School continues to focus on ensuring that more of our students have the support necessary to meet the 21 necessary to demonstrate College and Career Readiness in Tennessee. We are proud that our 22.3, though equal to last year’s average, reflects an all-time high of ACT test takers at Science Hill with more than 97 percent of our seniors participating,” Johnson City Schools Supervisor of Secondary and Instructional Technology David Timbs said Wednesday.

“We well exceeded the state average for both participation and achievement. The staff and leadership of SHHS began this year focused on expanding opportunities for more students to reach this level and seek post-secondary opportunities that will allow them to take advantage of TN Promise,” Timbs added.

“Forty-nine percent of Washington County’s Class of 2018 scored a 21 or higher,” Washington County Schools Director Bill Flanary said. “We’re pleased with the work our elementary and high schools are doing in getting our students college and career ready.”

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