Recently released 2010 ACT results show a significant increase in the St. Martin Parish composite score compared to last year.

The district’s composite score jumped from 19.1 in 2008-09 to 19.5 for 2009-10. Over the past 10 years, despite a couple of dips, the district’s composite ACT score improved form 18.1 in 2000-01 to the current 19.5.

Although the district average still falls below the state average score of 20.1, the state improvement over the same 10-year period is .5 points while St. Martin Parish improved 1.4 points.

Nationwide the average composite score dropped from 21.1 in 2009 to 21.0 in 2010.

Students at Cecilia High led the parish with an average score of 19.9, followed closely by Breaux Bridge High with a 19.8 average. St. Martinville Sr. High trailed with an average score of 18.8, although the school recorded the biggest improvement from 2008-09, increasing by .6 of a point while Cecilia improved by .4 of a point, and Breaux Bridge .3 of a point.

These curriculum-based tests in English, mathematics, reading and science are designed to measure college readiness.

A total of 35,601 across the state took the ACT, while 275 took the exam in St. Martin Parish.

Superintendent Richard Lavergne said he is excited about the growth in parish scores. “It is a tribute to our teachers and administrators who are working hard every day to improve student achievement. We will continue working to meet and go beyond the state and national averages.”