PR. GEORGE'S SAT NUMBERS
Dip in Scores Chalked Up To Broader Participation
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, August 31, 2007; Page B05
Prince George's County showed a substantial increase in numbers of students taking the SAT last year, schools officials said yesterday. Although the county's average scores fell in the college entrance exam's three categories, the drops were less steep than the state average.
The county released its statistics yesterday, two days after the College Board released national SAT numbers. The data showed that the number of county students taking the test jumped 12.6 percent, from 4,473 to 5,038 students. Statewide participation on the test also increased, by 7.3 percent.
  "One would expect a corresponding decline in scores," said Superintendent John E. Deasy of the increased student participation. (Nikki Kahn - The Washington Post) |
John E. Deasy, the Prince George's superintendent, said the increase illustrated growing college readiness among county students.
"I think the story for us in performance is about the very large increase we had in the students who are taking it," Deasy said. "One would expect a corresponding decline in scores."
The county's scores dropped from 437 to 432 on the critical reading section of the test. They dropped from 424 to 420 in math, and 433 to 429 in writing. Overall, average scores declined from 1294 to 1281, but the 13-point drop was exceeded by that of the state, which fell 17 points, from 1492 to 1475. National average scores also dropped, from 1518 to 1511.
Deasy attributed the smaller decline to the overall academic gains made by the county.
Officials of the College Board, which administers the SAT, have said the lower scores reflect greater participation among students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who previously might not have aspired to attend college.
Deasy said the county has actively encouraged such students to take the test and helps financially needy students pay for taking it.
"We've done a huge outreach for kids who didn't know about the test, having them understand the importance of it, making sure there was no financial barrier to it," Deasy said. "You can't get into college without taking it."
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