BY BRYAN SABELLA
Staff Writer
Average SAT scores were up nearly 100 points during the 2003-2004 school year, from 1,018 in 2002-2003 to 1,115 last year, a seven-year high. Average math scores went from 535 to 552, and verbal scores leaped from 527 to 563, according to Department of Education statistics.
Superintendent of Schools Theresa Sinatra attributes the jump to continued efforts on the part of the Board of Education and administrators to develop curriculums.
“We’ve established a five-year plan,” she said. “The key factor really has been a collaborative effort between the board and administrators and a commitment to curriculum development, and it’s reflected in the classroom.”
The percentage of students who say they plan on attending a four-year college is up to 72.2 percent, also a seven-year high.
“We do strive very hard to have our students be successful after high school,” Sinatra said.
“We’ve always stressed a commitment to higher and secondary education,” she said. “But we never lose sight of the fact that some students choose a different route,” such as a two-year school or entering the work force. Sometimes it’s just a reflection of finances or their desire to be close to home.”
Participation in Advanced Placement courses at the high school level was also up from 19.4 to 32 percent of the student body, which is higher than the state average of 28.8 percent.
But out of the 183 students taking those courses, just under half actually took the AP tests.
“Some schools require students to take the test; we do not,” Sinatra said.
However, of the 90 students who took the AP tests, 77 scored a 3 or better. A score of 3 or better (5 is the top score) means that many colleges will accept the course for college credit.
Sinatra said the district is open to offering more AP courses in the near future and is hoping to offer an honors course in statistics next year.