ACT: Low grades for Miss., Ala., Fla.

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Mississippi's ACT scores remained the worst in the nation last year, despite an increasing number of students taking the courses that are supposed to prepare them for college.

The testing organization, based in Iowa City, Iowa, says only 11 percent of Mississippi students were ready for college in English, math, reading and science, compared to 25 percent of students nationwide. That's up from 9 percent of Mississippi students who scored college-ready marks in all four subjects in 2008, compared to 22 percent nationwide.

Of Alabama and Florida students, 18 percent were prepared for college in English, math, reading and science.

The Mississippi average on the test is 18.7 this year, down from 18.9 in 2008. The Alabama average was 20.3 this year, down from 20.4 in 2008. The Florida average this year was 19.8, the same as four years ago. The national average has stayed level at 21.1.

The highest average composite scores in the country, 24.1 were found in Massachusetts.

Mississippi is one of nine states that gives the ACT test to all its high school seniors.