Schools Show Gains On College-Prep Tests

Charles Has Drop in Average SAT Score

Average SAT scores for high school seniors in Calvert and St. Mary's public schools increased this year, but those for Charles County students decreased. The mean scores on the Advanced Placement tests remained steady or increased throughout Southern Maryland.

St. Mary's County seniors scored a record average of 1559 out of a possible 2400, a 27-point increase over last year. In Calvert, the average rose five points, to 1531. The average score in Charles dropped from 1511 to 1464, which is below the Maryland and national averages.

The state average was 1497; the national, 1509.

The SAT is a required standardized exam with three parts: math, critical reading and writing. The test is usually taken by college-bound juniors and seniors.

All three Southern Maryland school systems showed gains in the numbers of students taking the SAT in the spring, and more students in St. Mary's and Calvert also took Advanced Placement tests.

AP classes are usually taken by juniors and seniors, especially those who plan to attend college. The tests are given at the end of the academic year. Students can receive college-course credit for scores of 3 or higher out of a total of 5 points.

Scott Smith, director of secondary schools in St. Mary's, said he and his colleagues are challenging students "at the very least to try one Advanced Placement course before they leave St. Mary's County schools." The system automatically assigned many students to AP courses this year.

"When they sat down to put together their schedules last year, they saw they were pre-selected for an AP course," Smith said. "Many students seeing it in their schedule said, 'You know, that really does fit.' "

Enrollment in AP has increased over the past three years in St. Mary's, Smith said. Nearly 100 more students took AP tests this year than last. The mean score rose from 2.47 to 2.57. About 49 percent of the test-takers scored a 3 or higher, compared with 45 percent in 2008.

Nearly 1,370 Calvert students took AP exams this year, an increase of more than 150 students. The mean score remained steady at about 3.03. This year, 63 percent of the test-takers scored a 3 or higher.

As in St. Mary's, Calvert teachers and administrators have been urging students push themselves.

"We've had a very concerted effort to encourage students to take more rigorous courses. The enrollment in AP is a direct result in that," said Catherine Page, supervisor of system performance for Calvert schools. "If students enroll in more rigorous courses, other measures will also increase," such as results in SAT and state tests, she said.

Charles had a slight decrease in AP class enrollment this year. About 88 percent of the students enrolled in AP classes took the tests, compared with about 91 percent last year. However, the mean score rose from 2.07 to 2.25. Nearly 38 percent of the scores were a 3 or higher, compared with 30 percent in 2008.

"I'm not satisfied with the [SAT] results. I'm not satisfied with the AP. I think we can do a lot better," said Charles Superintendent James E. Richmond. "I will be meeting with all the principals again, sitting down and discussing with the instructional people, 'Are we doing a good job with the students as far as the subjects?' "

Richmond said his system has been offering more SAT prep classes throughout the year, including after-school and summer classes.

"We made a lot of good improvements, and I think we have a long ways to go. When we drop [in test scores], I don't want to make excuses," Richmond said. "We will analyze the results and find out what we need to do . . . to make sure every student has the opportunity to improve. That is the key."