The Newton County School System has received the 2013 SAT results released by the College Board. The school system’s 2013 average scores decreased four points in critical reading, seven points in math, and five points in writing compared to 2012 test-takers. Georgia’s average scores increased two points in reading, decreased two points in math and remained the same on the writing test in 2013. National averages remained unchanged in 2013.

  *Number in parenthesis indicates change over preceding year.

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

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.

At the school level, Alcovy High School (AHS) saw decreased scores in 2013. Reading scores decreased by 10 points and both math and writing scores saw a 9-point decrease. The school did see an increase in the number of test-takers in 2013. 

Eastside High School also saw a decrease in scores across the board in 2013.  The reading score decreased by 10 points; math dropped 13 points; and writing saw a 4-point decrease. The school had slightly less test-takers in 2013.

 Newton High School posted gains on two of the three portions of the SAT in 2013. The school posted a 10-point gain in reading and a 5-point gain in math in 2013. The school’s writing scored dipped one point under the previous year’s score. Newton experienced a decrease in the number of test-takers in 2013.

 “While we are pleased with the improvements experienced at Newton High School, there is much work to be done to improve our overall performance,” said Newton County School Superintendent Samantha Fuhrey. “The SAT results reflect the collective efforts of a school system’s elementary, middle, and high schools. It takes strategic planning, continuous reflection and community engagement and support to develop a well-designed plan that leads to improved results. Our goal is to ensure all students are college and career-ready, enabling them to have choices beyond graduation.”