A teacher friend tells the story of the couple that came to parent-teacher conferences, demanding that their child be given more homework. They're concerned that their student is not studying enough each night.

The teacher found it refreshing that some parents are so demanding of their children. We're excited that Norman students are among the state's five highest scorers on the ACT test. Norman High and Norman North students scored an average score of 23.5, according to average test scores released this week.

But the needle didn't move on statewide scores despite efforts to prepare students for college coursework. Oklahomans on average scored a 20.7 on the ACT college entrance exam. It's below the national composite average of 21.1, down slightly from the year before.

Students at the Oklahoma School of Science and Math (which includes several from Norman), the Classen School of Advanced Studies, Edmond North High School and Fairview High School scored on average higher than Norman students.

Norman's scores have increased from 22.7 average in 2004, 22.9 in 2005 and 2006, 23.1 in 2007 and 23.5 in 2008.

It's gratifying that more students are taking the test and have plans for college. The district says 72.5 percent of the eligible students participated in 2008 testing. But now is not the time to let up. Parents need to keep up the push for advanced classes.