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STAMFORD, Conn. Despite a drop in the average SAT scores in the city, Stamford is encouraged by an increase in the number of public school students taking the college admission test. About 5 percent more students took the test in 2011 compared with 2010.
The SAT exam is an access gateway to college and indicates our progress in promoting student aspirations to secure post-secondary education, Acting Superintendent Winifred Hamilton said of the increased participation.
The schools are directly responsible for the increase, she said, citing the experience of all sophomores taking the PSATs during school hours. The first time you do anything is a difficult experience, Hamilton said, explaining that the students are less worried about the exam after taking the practice test.
The average scores for Stamford students dropped 14 points in the critical reading section to 481; in math, average scores dropped 12 points to 492; and in writing, nine points to 490. State and national scores also declined, a Stamford Public Schools statement said.
Although the average scores dipped from 2010 to 2011, they have rise over the past five years, which means the schools are headed in the right direction, Director of Research Judy Singer said. The average score in critical reading has gone up nine points; in math, 16 points; and in writing, 11 points, the statement said.
The two administrators said the higher participation has a direct impact on lowering the scores, with scores of less than 500 showing the biggest increase. That does not worry Hamilton, who said students will begin to prepare more and take the exam more seriously.
Its all about your attitude, she said, describing the motivation students can have if they know college is a real option.
You can reach reporter Anthony Buzzeo by email at tbuzzeo@TheDailyStamford.com.
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