CMS students make gains on SAT , AP tests Enrollment in Advanced Placement courses also increases
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools made gains in student performance on the SAT , a national assessment used to gauge student readiness for collegelevel work . The average overall CMS score on the three-part test rose by nine points in 2016 to 1,475 . The number of students participating in Advanced Placement courses , taking AP exams and scoring a three ( passing ) or higher on those exams also rose . The maximum combined score is 2400 .
“ I am pleased with our steady progress in preparing every student to graduate ready for college-level work and the rigor of a highly competitive global workplace ,” said Ann Clark , superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools . “ There is still more work to do . We will continue our efforts to broaden student access to more rigorous coursework and increase performance on these tests to expand mastery of the coursework .”
2016 SAT data
Critical Reading |
Math |
Writing |
Overall |
CMS change from 2015 |
497 |
504 |
474 |
1,475 |
|
+ 4 pts |
+ 5 pts |
no change |
+ 9 pts |
State change from 2015 |
502 |
508 |
475 |
1,485 |
|
+ 4 pts |
+ 4 pts |
-1 pt |
+ 7 pts |
Nation change from 2015 |
494 |
508 |
482 |
1,484 |
|
-1 pt |
-3 pts |
-2 pts |
-6 pts |
The district ’ s overall gains , as well as growth in reading and math , matched or exceeded gains at the state and national levels . The district ’ s average score on the reading section of the SAT rose by four points to 497 . On the math portion , the average district score rose by five points to 504 . The writing score for the district remained flat at 474 .
The state ’ s average scores were 502 in reading , 508 in math , 475 in writing and 1,485 overall , up seven points over the prior year .
Nationally , the average SAT score was 494 in reading , 508 in math and 482 in writing . The national average overall was 1,484 , representing a six-point decline from the prior year .
The number of CMS students in grades nine through 12 enrolled in Advanced Placement courses increased 3.4 percent , to 8,780 in 2016 from 8,492 in 2015 . The number of students taking AP tests rose 1.3 percent , to 8,622 from 8,512 and the number of exams with a score of three or higher increased 4.7 percent , to 8,333 from 7,960 . The number of CMS students taking the SAT declined to 4,872 in 2016 from 5,289 in 2015 .
Following your heart is vital Hawthorne Academy of Health Sciences offers year-long freshman seminar
Ninth-grader Rashika Chamlagai has wanted a career in the medical field for as long as she can remember . Two significant events reinforced this calling — her grandmother being diagnosed with cancer and the victims of the 2015 earthquakes in her native Nepal .
“ When my grandmother passed away , I knew more than ever I wanted to help others ,” said Rashika , who aspires to be a cardiologist . “ My aunt is also a nurse and helps many people but there is still a great need for good healthcare in Nepal .”
Freshman Jeffrey Carter decided to explore health science careers after he watched the movie “ Gifted Hands : The Ben Carson Story .” medical disciplines .
“ We know high school is a transition and we want our incoming students to be successful ,” said Principal Diann Weston . “ The program gives us a chance to identify and work with students who might be struggling .”
“ I ’ m not sure which specialty I want to work in yet but I ’ m interested in pediatrics , neurology and sports medicine ,” said Jeffrey .
Rashika and Jeffrey are among 72 ninth-graders enrolled at Hawthorne Academy of Health Sciences . A technology , engineering and math ( STEM ) high school , Hawthorne has an option program that combines career and work-based experiences with rigorous academic instruction . To better prepare freshmen for high school and to help them learn about the different opportunities in the health field , they are required to participate in the school ’ s Vitals Program .
Vitals is a year-long seminar designed to develop critical thinking , literacy and math skills across all content . It also offers speakers from various
The school recently held its first seminar to discuss goals , expectations and community service opportunities . Tammy Hanna , a nurse and administrator at PruittHealth , also spoke to students . She talked about her entry into the medical field and provided information about PruittHealth , a long-term health care provider .
After the presentations , students were asked to write what it meant to lead with a heart and how they could be those leaders .
“ Leading with heart means you find your passion and use it with your knowledge to complete a task that fills you with joy ,” said student Latauanna Weathers . “ Because when you are doing what makes you happy , you pass that enthusiasm to others .”
Parent Teacher News • September / October 2016 • 8