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Episode 6: Spooky Statistics: Scary Tests, Creepy Scores & Student Surprises
- sherrirochel
- Oct 31
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 3
Episode Title: Spooky Statistics: Scary Tests, Creepy Scores & Student Surprises
Air Date: October 31, 2025
Hosted by: Dr. Sherri Rochel (@DrSherriRochel)
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3dzCG9MMvodfaKaacFDKgO
🧭 Episode Overview
This special Halloween episode of The Good, The Bad & The Ugly – Education Edition dives into the spooky side of data — the numbers that haunt educators and the bright spots that bring hope. From Brookings’ ACT success story to the national declines and state-level gaps, Dr. Sherri unpacks what the statistics mean for students, schools, and families.
Runtime: ~10 minutes
Theme: Data • Readiness • Accountability
🟩 The Good – Brookings High School Beats the Odds
Source: Brookings Register – “Brookings students’ ACT scores top state, national averages”
Brookings, South Dakota, has become a standout district with ACT scores around 23, surpassing both the state average of 21 and the national average below 20. Teachers there emphasize preparation, offer after-school ACT practice, and ensure course alignment.
“In a world full of scary stats, Brookings is the bright light at the end of the hallway.”
💡 Takeaway: Success doesn’t happen by chance—it’s built on structure, mindset, and consistent support.
🟨 The Bad – National Readiness Stuck in the Shadows
Source: Associated Press – “ACT test scores for U.S. students drop to new 30-year low”
Nationally, the average ACT score dropped to 19.5 out of 36—the lowest in more than 30 years. Reading, science, and math scores all fell below college-readiness benchmarks.
“When one school shines, we’ve got to ask why so many feel left in the shadows.”
💡 Reflection: Are students missing foundational skills, or are we not equipping them to apply what they know?
🟥 The Ugly – The Statewide Gap That Haunts Our Progress
Source: South Dakota Searchlight – “South Dakota average ACT score declines but outperforms similar states and national average”
South Dakota’s average ACT score sits near 21, above the national level—but only 41% of students met readiness benchmarks in three or four subjects. That means nearly six in ten students still aren’t fully prepared for college or career.
“The numbers say we’re doing okay—but okay isn’t enough when futures are in the balance.”
💡 Takeaway: Average isn’t excellence. We can celebrate progress while still demanding better for every student.
🧠 Episode Takeaways
1️⃣ Local success shows what’s possible when support systems align.2️⃣ National readiness is slipping, and we can’t ignore the trend.3️⃣ Even above-average states have gaps that need attention.4️⃣ Data isn’t scary—it’s a map pointing toward solutions.
🔗 Listen & Connect
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrSherriRochel
🌐 Website: https://www.educationthatmatters.net
💬 Join the conversation: Does your district track ACT and college-readiness data? How are local schools helping students prepare? Share your thoughts with #EducationThatMatters and tag @DrSherriRochel.
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