Bryan County’s SAT scores were in the top 15 percent in the state, according to data released by the College Board’s annual SAT report for 2007.
"We took the numbers apart as soon as we got them," said Bryan County School Superintendent Dr. Sallie Brewer.
"We’re proud of what we did, and even though we’re very proud of how the high school students scored, this is a measure of K-12, of everything a child had learned," Brewer said.
Bryan County High School had 49 test takers this year, scoring an average of 450 in critical reading, 462 in math and 443 in writing, giving them an average total score of 1355.
Richmond Hill High School had 216 test takers this year, scoring an average of 510 in critical reading, 518 in math and 491 in writing, giving them an average total score of 1519.
"We were happy with our scores, but of course we’re always striving to do better," said Bryan County Board of Education Chairman Eddie Warren.
The College Board, who administers the SAT, said in their annual report that Georgia’s average SAT score was 1,472, which was actually a five point drop from 2006. However, the nation’s average score also dropped – seven points to be exact – to 1,511. Georgia’s rank held at 46th in the nation for two years running.
According to the Georgia Department of Education’s press release, Georgia high school seniors did hold their ground across the board.
"Georgia’s high school seniors kept pace with the nation on the SAT last year, which is good news," said State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox in the release. "Of course, we won’t be satisfied until Georgia is a leader in SAT performance."
More than 59,500 Georgia seniors, or 69 percent, took the SAT this year, which was the thirteenth highest participation rate in the nation. This was an increase of more than two percent from last year, making Georgia one of the 24 states in the nation that had over 48 percent of its seniors taking the 2007 SAT.
Cox encouraged high school students to take a free online SAT Prep Class through the College Board web site. The class features drills, practice questions, and several full-length tests to submit for scoring.
"This is a great tool that students can use to prepare. I’d encourage all high school students – even if they aren’t taking the SAT this year – to get their passcode and begin practicing," Cox said.
Public school students can get a registration number from their guidance counselor or principal’s office. Private and home schooled students should go to http://public.doe.k12.ga.us/ci_iap_satap.aspx and look in the "resources" box on the right side of the page.