A parish-by-parish comparison of ACT test scores over the past five years indicates the St. Tammany Parish School System is doing something right.

The average scores in the parish are 21.7, compared with Lafayette Parish’s 21.0, the state’s second highest average. In addition, St. Tammany is the only district school system in the state over the 21.1 national average.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Cheryl Arabie said the school system’s success in preparing students for the ACT is based on several factors, beginning in elementary school. “The rigors of our guaranteed curriculum, the teachers’ excellent job in the classroom, the availability of ACT prep in many schools all contribute to our success,” said Arabie.

In addition, she said ACT prep is included in the online guaranteed curriculum.

Up only .1 point from last year, the past five-year scores for St. Tammany are 2004, 21.6; 2005, 21.5; 2006, 21.6; 2007, 21.6; and 2008, 21.7, consistently greater than other parishes and public school systems in the state and higher than the national averages.

Averages for surrounding parishes this year are Washington Parish, 17.5; City of Bogalusa, 17.8; Tangipahoa Parish, 19.7; Jefferson Parish, 18.8; Orleans Parish, 19.0; Recovery School District, 15.2; St. Bernard Parish 19.9; and Plaquemines Parish 19.8.

State averages have trailed behind the national average the past five years, usually by 1.1 point. This past year that average was narrowed to .8, showing a marked improvement over the past few years.

Arabie said she is delighted to see the improvements statewide as well.

“When the state succeeds, it helps all of us,” she said.

National averages for the past five years are 2004, 20.9; 2005, 20.9; 2006, 21.1; 2007, 21.2; and 2008, 21.1.

The above figures, by district, include only public school students’ scores. However, all students, public and nonpublic, are included in both state and national averages.

The total number of 2008 Louisiana graduates who took the exam is 34,211, which represents a 1 percent increase from 2007 when 34,042 took the exam.

“The fact that the number of students taking the exam has increased and our composite scores and subject area scores still continue to improve is further evidence that our students are resilient and motivated,” State Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek said. “They possess the power and knowledge to meet the expectations of life after high school, and we are doing a better job of positioning them to thrive regardless of what direction they pursue.”

ACT scores are important for high school students applying for entrance into college and for scholarships and financial packages. It has been used as a benchmark for comparison as a national standard for education.

State education officials said Friday school-by-school results for each district will be released soon by the state Department of Education, once all scores are received.