Last Updated on 5/22/2013

Published on 10/4/2012

Georgetown County seniors who took the most recent SAT test saw a 56-point drop in the scores compared with 2011, but school officials note there were more test-takers this year.
“However, 45 more students took the test” this year than in 2011, said Patti Hammel, executive director for Student Performance and Federal Programs.
When the scores from the four high schools were averaged, the district’s overall score dropped from 1,420 last year to 1,364 this year.
The SAT tests the knowledge of students in the areas of critical reading, math and writing where 800 in each category is a perfect score.
Overall in reading, the district’s score dropped from 468 to 454; math dropped from 486 to 474; and writing dropped from 466 to 436.
“Many of this year’s class — due to its accessibility — took this test a number of times. The report only shares the score from the final test administered,” Hammel said.
One school in the county — Waccamaw High — scored above the state average. Eighty-seven percent of Waccamaw High seniors took the exam and earned an average score of 1,459.
WHS also saw the biggest decrease in scores with a 75 point drop.
In writing, Waccamaw’s score dropped from 504 to 470, reading fell from 511 to 484 and the math score was 505, down from 519.
The state average was 1,422 — down five points. The national average score was 1,498.

By Scott Harper
sharper@gtowntimes.com