SAT scores up by 9 points for Class of 2009

SAT scores released this week show those of Cleveland County students rose 9 points from the previous year.

Combined average mathematics and critical reading scores of the class of 2009 increased to 995. Math scores climbed 6 points to 510 while reading scores improved to 485, up 3 points. Some 47.5 percent of the senior classes at Burns, Crest, Kings Mountain and Shelby high schools took the test.

The average combined critical reading and math scores on the SAT totaled 1006 in North Carolina and 1016 in the nation. North Carolina students’ performance mirrored the national trend with the average critical reading score dropping by 1 point. NC average scores were 495 in reading and 511 in math. The national average scores are 501 in reading and 515 in math.

Participation rates were 63 percent in North Carolina and 46 percent nationally.

At Burns High School, combined average scores rose 42 points to 980. Math scores rose 29 points to 510 while reading improved 13 points to 470.  Some 37 percent of the seniors took the SAT.

At Crest High School, combined average scores dropped 1 point to 1003. Although math scores improved 3 points to 514, reading scores dropped 4 points to 489. At Crest, 46.4 percent of the seniors took the SAT.

At Kings Mountain High School, combined average scores jumped 8 points to 1020 – above both the state and national averages. Math scores remained at 523 while reading scores rose 8 points to 497.  At Kings Mountain, 48.4 percent of the seniors took the SAT.

At Shelby High School, combined average scores dropped 8 points to 978. Math scores dropped 3 points to 497 and reading scores fell 5 points to 481. At Shelby, 61.5 percent of the senior class took the SAT.

 “We are encouraged that the overall average rose 9 points this past year,” said John Goforth, Director of Secondary Education, noting that the improvement made by Burns High School was significant.

“Burns High should be pleased with the progress they made,’’ he said. “School staff at all four high schools will continue to encourage students to take higher level courses and a more rigorous course load to better prepare themselves for college and for success on the SAT.”