Wake SAT Scores Slip: Local Scores Still Far Ahead of State and National Averages
August 28, 2001 - After six consecutive years of rising scores, the average SAT score for Wake County Public School System seniors slipped by seven points in 2000-2001. The average SAT score was 1054, compared to an all-time high of 1061 achieved in 1999-2000.
Improving SAT ScoresResults Breakdowns
|
|
 Superintendent Bill McNeal talks with reporters about the 2001 SAT scores. |
|
Hear Superintendent Bill McNeal talk about Wake County 2001 SAT scoresMcNeal talks
about SAT scores McNeal talks
about working with schools to improve scores McNeal talks
about Wake's high expectations |
Despite the dip, Wake's scores remained substantially higher than the state average of 992 and the national average of 1020. North Carolina's SAT average climbed by four points while the national average rose just one point. Wake's average on the verbal part of the test was 520, two points less than last year. The average on the math section was 534, five points less than last year.
The SAT is a national exam designed to measure a student's chance of success at the college level. In Wake County, 4,042 seniors or 79% took the SAT, the same percentage as last year. Statewide, 65% of eligible students took the test. Nationally, only 45% of eligible students took the SAT, also a percentage point higher than last year. Since 1990, Wake has boosted its average by 55 points, compared to 19 points for the national average and 44 points for the state average.
"A seven-point decline in SAT scores is cause for concern but not alarm," said Superintendent Bill McNeal at an afternoon news conference. "Our responsibility to the community is to find out why scores dropped and do whatever is necessary to ensure that our students are among the best prepared in the country."
Because the scores have just been released, it's too early to tell what factors caused the dip. Specific reasons for the downturn will be determined through a thorough analysis of the results and the patterns of response among specific student groups, says Dr. Karen Banks, assistant superintendent for evaluation and research.
"We'll be looking closely at the demographics of test-takers and what mix of academic and support programs seems to make the biggest difference. We also must determine whether our focus on K-8 literacy and closing the achievement gap has had an effect on SAT performance," Dr. Banks said.
Unlike many school systems nationwide, Wake has historically encouraged all students to aspire to a two- or four-year college. In most states and in many school districts, only those students bound for a four-year college or university take the SAT. As a result, nearly eight out of 10 Wake seniors take the SAT.
"This community is strongly oriented toward college, and parents expect us to prepare their children for success," said Associate Superintendent for Instructional Services Jo Baker. "We are definitely not going to back down on high academic expectations. We will work with principals and school staff members to identify short-term and long-term strategies."
Wake's high school principals will be meeting this week to review data and brainstorm possible solutions.
Superintendent McNeal notes that the district will act quickly
and responsibly. "Though the SAT is not designed to measure
the quality of a school, our community expects scores to increase.
First we must have a clear understanding of where the problem
lies. Then, we will do everything in our power to ensure that
Wake schools deliver. No excuses."
North Carolina SAT Score Increases Four Points; Nation Up One Point
Mean SAT Scores for North Carolina Public Schools 2000 and 2001