Guilford County Schools Releases 2008 SAT Results

During the 2007-08 year, the average total SAT score among Guilford County Schools (GCS) students rose seven points, from 1464 in 2006-07 to 1471. In fact, GCS saw improvement in all subject areas, especially mathematics, where average scores jumped from 498 in 2006-07 to 503 in 2007-08.

The GCS subtotal score (combined math and critical reading score) increased by six points, while there was no change in the U.S. subtotal score and only a three-point increase in the North Carolina subtotal score. This increase narrowed the gap between subtotal scores for GCS and the state to 16 points in 2007-08 compared with 19 points in 2006-07 and the GCS and U.S. gap to 26 points in 2007-08 compared with 32 points in 2006-07.

“SAT scores in Guilford County increased last year as a result of focused effort and extraordinarily hard work on the part of students, teachers, principals and SAT Champions,” said Dr. Jane Fleming, executive director of Advanced Learning.

Five of the district’s schools had grand total scores that exceeded the U.S. average of 1511: The Early College at Guilford (by 396 points), Grimsley High (by 129 points), Weaver Academy (by 127 points), Northwest High (by 108 points) and Western High (by 47 points).

Nine schools had gains of 10 or more points on their grand total score: The Middle College at GTCC - Greensboro, High Point Central High, Smith High, Page High, Eastern High, Western High, Andrews High, Northeast High and Grimsley High.

Sixteen GCS students had a perfect score of 800 in critical reading, nine had a perfect score in mathematics and five had a perfect score in writing. One GCS student had a perfect subtotal score of 1600.

According to Fleming, the strongest correlation with higher SAT scores is a rigorous course of study in high school. GCS maintains a strong, continuing partnership with the College Board to increase equity, preparation and enrollment of students in rigorous high school courses, including:

• Utilizing EOG scores and AP Potential to place students in demanding math and English courses
• Encouraging all students to take the PSAT in high school, and then utilizing those results to provide feedback and guidance to students, parents and core academic teachers
• Developing a range of strategies to coach students in SAT preparation skills, from online College Board software to the development of a strategic plan of action implemented by schools

“Obviously, there is no magic formula for raising SAT scores, but it is a combination of strategies that achieve results,” Fleming explained. “There is much to celebrate, but our work is not finished. The 2008-09 school year lies ahead, and we will continue our work to increase scores and participation.”

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