Thread: S.A.T. Scores Drop by Double Digits in Md., D.C.

SAT Averages Decline to Lowest Scores in Years
Scores Drop by Double Digits in Md., D.C.

By Daniel de Vise
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 28, 2007; 10:48 AM

The Class of 2007 posted the lowest SAT averages in several years, according to scores released this morning. Scores from the second year of an expanded, three-section college-entrance test declined by double digits in Maryland and the District, by five points in Virginia and by seven points nationwide, compared with the previous graduating class.

Education leaders said the modest decline reflected an ever larger and more diverse population of students taking the test. More blacks, Asians and Hispanics took the SAT in this year's graduating class than in any previous class; two-fifths of test takers are now minorities.

The share of test-takers for whom English is a second language has nearly doubled in 20 years to 24 percent.

In Montgomery County, one of a few districts reporting scores this morning, students achieved a combined score of 1624 on the test, which yields scores ranging from 200 to 800 in reading, writing and math.

The total reflects a 10-point drop from 2006 performance overall. But that's misleading, said Superintendent Jerry D. Weast. Scores actually rose for Hispanics and whites, while declining slightly for blacks and Asians. The overall average is lower, he said, because it's more heavily weighted by students who are new to the SAT and who post lower scores because of poverty, inadequate academic preparation and other factors. Participation on the test this year hit 79 percent, three points higher than last year.

"Eighty percent of any group taking anything is pretty high," Weast said. "We aren't eliminating students who aren't prepared."

SAT performance declined precipitously in the District, from a combined 1441 last year to 1411 this year. The number of students taking the test increased by about four percent. Scores fell from 1511 to 1498 in Maryland and from 1525 to 1520 in Virginia. Combined scores nationwide declined from 1518 in 2006 to 1511 in 2007.

The College Board, which administers the SAT, expanded the test last year, adding a writing section to the traditional reading and math sections, at the bidding of college admissions officers, who wanted to see more evidence of applicants' language abilities. The resulting exam is longer and, students say, substantially more grueling than before.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... 00648.html

The College Board, which administers the SAT, expanded the test last year, adding a writing section to the traditional reading and math sections, at the bidding of college admissions officers, who wanted to see more evidence of applicants' language abilities. The resulting exam is longer and, students say, substantially more grueling than before.

LOL. Maybe the kids wrote in TEXT style rather than full words. Hhahha.