By Rupert Howell

Although South Panola High School trails the state average on the American College Test scores (ACT), the local high school showed improvement while the state remained stagnant according to recently released figures.

One-hundred sixty-five students took the test averaging a composite score of 18.2 which is one-half point below the state average but .6 above last year’s composite score and South Panola’s best composite score of at least the last five years.

South Panola’s different subject area scores were consistently improved over last year and previous years’ scores by margins ranging from four—eight tenths in each area while trailing state averages from four—six tenths in those areas.

The following is South Panola’s subject area scores for 2012, followed by 2011 scores and then 2012 state averages respectively with current year and state averages in bold:

English, 18.2, 17.4, 18.6; mathematics, 17.8, 17.0, 18.3; reading, 18.4, 17.6, 18.9; science, 18.1, 17.7, 18.7.

Superintendent Keith Shaffer said ACT score data was compiled from graduating seniors who took the ACT test and is part of “The Plan” which involves parents, students, teachers and counselors in realizing areas of weakness in individual students beginning with preparatory tests

Shaffer said this allows a student to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses ultimately resulting in better ACT test scores which can lead to more scholarship money.