Mass. Students Outscore Students Nationwide On ACT Exam

The state's high school students are outscoring students nationwide on the ACT, a test that assesses college readiness.

Massachusetts students graduating in 2011 scored an average of 24.2 out of 36 on the test that focuses on reading, math, science and English. The national average was 21.1.

The state also had the highest percentage students meeting the test's benchmark scores with 43 percent of test takers meeting the mark in all four subjects compared to 25 percent nationwide.

Gov. Deval Patrick says the results show the state leads the nation in education but needs to continue its efforts to improve curriculum and graduation rates.

Massachusetts students usually take the SAT, but 14,975 students, or 22 percent of 2011 graduates took the test compared to 15 percent of 2007 graduates.