West Virginia educators are right to be pleased about scores in the most recently administered round of ACT college entrance examinations. Scores of Mountain State students who took the tests are up in comparison to previous years.
But, as they say, the reward for work done well is more work to be done well. West Virginia public schools still are not where they need to be in terms of preparing young people for higher education and careers.
Most ACT content area scores are up. In two important areas, reading and English, impressive improvements have been made. West Virginia students who took the ACT this year scored, on average, as well as their peers nationally in reading. They actually topped the national average for English by two-tenths of a point.
But in mathematics, our students lag badly. This year's average ACT math score was 21 nationally - and just 19.6 in our state.
Still, state Superintendent of Schools Steve Paine is correct in noting that the scores show "a positive trend." College-bound students in West Virginia indeed seem to be achieving more than in the past. That is a credit to both the students and their schools.
More demanding standards are being imposed on schools this year, in all subject areas. We're pleased that state education officials are placing particular emphasis on math and science. Beginning this year, high school students in college-preparatory courses will be required to take at least four years of mathematics. That certainly will help in the math section of the ACT and SAT college entrance exams.
Just as important, it will provide students with a better foundation to take advantage of career opportunities in an increasingly complex world.
Again, the ACT report should be cause for celebration among educators. And, while it is a reminder that much more needs to be done, it reaffirms what West Virginians already knew: We can do it.