MHS students scored an average composite score of 22.9, which exceeded the state (21.9) and national (21.1) averages.

McLouth students also scored higher in English, mathematics, reading and science, with the slimmest margin being in English (21.6-21.4) in relation to the state average and the largest being science (24.4-21.8).

As for the national average in those areas, MHS students held the smallest margin in English and math, being exactly 1 point higher in both, and the greatest margin also being in science (24.4-20.9).

MHS principal Mike Bogard said he was pleased with the results.

“I am very excited about our ACT scores,” Bogard said Friday. “ACT scores measure how well we are preparing students for their post-secondary life.

“That McLouth High School’s numbers exceed the state and national averages in all areas show that MHS students do indeed get a well-rounded academic program. Our faculty is exceptional and their commitment to our students is reflected in these scores.”

Statistics showed a five-year trend of scores in which McLouth had the highest composite score in those five years in 2009 and the highest or tied for the highest in the last five years in all categories in all areas except English. In 2007, the average was 21.9; for 2009, it’s 21.6.

ACT has worked with colleges nationwide to formulate college readiness benchmarks as follows: English composition, 18 in ACT English testing; algebra, 22 in math; social science, 21 in reading; and biology, 24 in science.

Compared to the state percentage of students meeting these benchmarks, McLouth again had a higher percentage in all fields. In English composition, 79 percent of MHS students met the benchmark compared to 74 percent statewide. The percentages for MHS compared to the state in other areas, with McLouth’s percentage first, are: algebra, 54-48; social science, 71-60; biology, 58-33; and meeting all four benchmarks, 46-26.

According to ACT, a benchmark score is the minimum score needed on an ACT subject-area test to indicatea 50 percent chance of obtaining a B or higher or about a 75 percent chance of obtaining a C or higher in the corresponding credit-bearing college courses.

For reports on how THS students tested, check back to The Mirror online. And, for expanded coverage, pick up a copy of Wednesday’s Mirror print edition.