ACT scores in School District U-46 are on the rise, with all five high schools showing improvement.

The Class of 2011’s composite score of 19.9 tops last year’s 19.6, although it still falls short of the state average of 20.9, according to data released today.

Scores in the Elgin-based district went up or stayed the same in all four subjects – English, math, reading and science.

Greg Walker, assistant superintendent for secondary education, said the district is “on the right track,” but wants to do even better.

“We’re working really hard, we’ve got benchmarks and targets that are defining our work, we care about kids and we’re going to keep moving forward,” he said.

To move forward, he said, the district is focusing on college and career readiness, and its Destination 2015 plan has established targets for students all the way from kindergarten through high school.

U-46 also is studying data including scores from practice tests and other standardized exams to look for strengths and gaps.

In addition, Walker said the district’s teacher appraisal plan for the past several years has centered around “establishing a culture for learning and engaging students in learning.”

“If we continue to do those things and increase rigor in the classrooms we hope scores continue to increase,” he said.

Scores at Larkin High School in Elgin went up the most with an average of 18.8 this year over 18.2 last year. Streamwood High School rose to 19.2 up from 18.8. South Elgin’s 20.3 bests the previous year’s 20 and Elgin High School came in at 19, a slight improvement from 18.9. Bartlett was the district’s highest-scoring school with 21.4, topping last year’s 21.3.

In addition to traditional scores, the ACT looks at whether students are ready for college-level work. Based on the test scores, it deemed 17 percent of U-46’s Class of 2011 to be college-ready in all four subjects, compared to 23 percent statewide.