The 2011 Buhler USD 313 ACT scores have been released, and Buhler students’ average composite score increased a remarkable 1.1%, from 22.5 in 2010 to 23.6 in 2011. The district’s composite score of 23.6 is 1.6% higher than the state and national composite scores of 22 and 21 respectively.

A total of 113, or 78%, of the Buhler High School class of 2011 took the ACT, which is about the typical percentage of students that go on to college annually, said BHS Principal Mike Berblinger.

This year’s 23.6 composite score is the highest in BHS’ history. In addition, students reached a new benchmark in reading.

“We’ve never had a subgroup over 24 and our reading was 24.3,” Berblinger said. “With reading being such an important aspect of education, we were pleased that this subgroup had such a high score.”

In English, 2011 average scores increased from 21.8 to 23.2. In mathematics, scores increased from 22.4 to 23.2, and in science, scores rose from 22.3 to 23.0.

“This is one aspect of student data we look at to determine if we’re completing our mission,” Berblinger said. “It’s not the only aspect, but it’s an important one for our college-bound students.”

The ACT report reflects the achievement of graduates on the ACT over time and gives an indication of the extent to which they are prepared for college-level work. The English composition benchmark established by ACT is 18. Algebra is 22, social science is 21 and biology is 24.

In English, 86% of BHS students who took the test hit the benchmark, compared to 73% statewide. In college algebra, 62 percent of BHS students hit the benchmark, compared to the 51 percent state average. In social science, 69 percent hit the benchmark, compared to the 60 percent average, and in biology, 45 percent of BHS students hit the benchmark, compared to the 34 percent state average. For all four areas, 37 percent of BHS students met the benchmarks, compared to the 28 percent state average.