Parent Teacher Magazine Gaston County Schools Nov/Dec 2016 | Page 7

College Board releases SAT scores for Class of 2016 Gaston County sees 15-point increase; six high schools achieve higher scores class and the summer writing camp that help our college-bound students achieve higher scores. Focusing on SAT preparation will make our students more competitive when applying to colleges.” The College Board cautions the public about using SAT scores as a “single measure to rank or rate educational institutions, districts or states because it does not include all students.” The SAT is not intended to determine the quality of a high school education. SAT Highlights n Gaston County Schools’ average score for the Class of 2016 is 1425, which is 15 points higher than the district’s average score of 1410 last year. n Gaston County’s increase of 15 points over last year outpaced the state, which increased by only seven points. The national average decreased by six points this year. n Gaston County had 1,004 students to take the SAT this year. This is compared to 1,031 students last year. In 2014, 1,047 students took the test. Gaston County Schools’ average score on the SAT (previously called the Scholastic Assessment Test) is 1425, according to a report released September 30 by the College Board. The 1425 score is 15 points higher than last year’s mark of 1410. The district’s average represents the scores of students in the Class of 2016 and the last time they took the test. On the mathematics section of the SAT, the average score for Gaston County Schools was 490. The average score on the verbal (critical reading) section was 482, and the average score for writing was 453. Gaston’s average score for each of the three tested areas is higher than last year. Six high schools – Bessemer City, East Gaston, Forestview, Highland, Hunter Huss, and North Gaston – had a higher average score when compared to last year. The H