CCSD Students Outscore State, Nation On SAT

WOODSTOCK, GA -- The class of 2017 in the Cherokee County School District outpaced state and national averages on the newly redesigned SAT, data released Tuesday by the College Board shows.

The test now includes two 800-point sections: Evidence Based Reading & Writing (ERW) and Mathematics, with a possible total score of 1600; in recent years, the test included three 800-point sections, with a possible total score of 2400.

The third section, a writing exam, is now optional (SIGN UP: Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app).

The Class of 2017 earned an average total score of 1121 (569 for ERW and 552 for Math), which exceeds the national average by 61 points and the state average by 71 points. The college entrance and placement exam is the most commonly recognized measure of achievement for high school students.

“While increasing test scores is not our focus, this exceptional performance shows we’re succeeding in our mission of preparing students for college and career readiness,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian Hightower said. “Congratulations to these students, their families, teachers and everyone in our CCSD community who makes accomplishments like this possible.”

All district high schools achieved an average score above the national and state average on the exam, which measures critical reading and mathematics abilities that are related to successful performance in college.

As the test was redesigned, it’s impossible to be compared to last year’s results. However, CCSD continues to perform higher than national and state levels with strong participation, which also was illustrated by outstanding ACT college-entrance exam results released earlier this month.

The scores will be analyzed by principals and their Leadership and Data Management teams to review teaching practices and set new performance goals. Counselors also use the results to recommend entrance exams that best suit each student’s strengths and needs.

“Our school district is dedicated to ‘Educating the Emerging Generation,’ and that’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly,” Dr. Hightower said. “We’re focused on continuous improvement, and we will use these results to further hone our practices to ensure each child in our community receives the best education possible.”

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