Newton County School System’s (NCSS) overall scores on the SAT increased across the board in 2016. The district posted an 11-point increase in both reading and math and a six-point improvement in writing.

The increase of scores from NCSS students is a change of pace from the rest of the nation. While national scores reflected a downturn in scores in reading, math and writing, Newton County and Georgia bucked that trend.

The SAT, a national college entrance exam used to measure critical thinking skills students need for academic success in college, assesses how well students analyze and solve problems. It is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors.

Alcovy High School students boosted their reading and math scores in the SAT by one and seven points, respectively, in 2016. The school’s writing score dipped slightly, by just one point. As a result of their increased scores in two of three subject areas, the Alcovy SAT composite score improved by seven points in 2016. In fact, Alcovy has continued its upward trajectory on the SAT since 2014, when the school posted significant gains in every category. Last year the school increased scores again in math and writing and held steady in reading. As a result of Alcovy’s three consecutive years of improvement, the school’s overall SAT composite score has increased by 26 points since 2013.

Eastside High School also posted huge gains on the SAT in 2016, besting the state’s score in math and writing and both the state and national score in reading along the way. Eastside students improved reading and writing scores by 12 points and 10 points respectively in 2016; however, math was where they posted their greatest gain, besting their previous year’s score by 25 points. As a result, Eastside’s SAT composite score increased by 47 points in 2016. And the school’s 2016 results a one-time improvement as Eastside has continually raised the bar each of the last three years. The school has posted significant increases in every category on the SAT in 2014, 2015, and 2016. As a result, the school’s SAT composite score has rocketed 70 points since 2013.

Newton High School also showed marked improvement on the SAT in 2016. Although the school’s math scores did decrease by five points, students boosted the school’s writing scores by four points and also posted a 14-point increase in reading. With gains in two out of three subjects, Newton’s SAT composite score showed great improvement, rising 13 points in 2016.

“Congratulations to our high school students, teachers, leaders and staff for their continued focus on improving SAT scores; the increases are significant and demonstrate a clear commitment to ensuring our students have choices beyond high school,” said Samantha Fuhrey, NCSS Superintendent. “Our recent results are a reflection of the hard work and focus that is required of teachers and leaders as outlined in our system’s college and career ready plan. The Newton County School System’s plan incorporates the work and efforts at all grade levels, as improvement in SAT scores begins in kindergarten. Improving student outcomes takes a combination of high expectations of our students and staff, rigorous coursework in all grade levels, the daily utilization of highly effective teaching practices, and the commitment of our students to place a high importance on their education. It is also important for students to have support from parents and family to reinforce the value of their education.”

Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200-800, with two writing sub-scores for multiple-choice and the essay. It is administered seven times a year in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S. Territories, and six times a year overseas. Students may take the test multiple times over multiple years. Colleges and universities will use, for admission purposes, the highest score from a testing category; regardless of how many times the student has taken the test. The College Board, however, only reports collectively the most recent scores achieved by students.

“While we are not where we wish to be, we are committed to continuing our upward trajectory, and I am proud of the work of our NCSS team,” Fuhrey said.