SAT/ACT Press release

September 20, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Durham Public Schools SAT Scores Decrease, ACT Scores Increase

Participation rates on both tests increase significantly

Durham, NC – The College Board released the 2011 SAT scores (Combined Critical Reading and Math) and DPS showed a 12-point, or 1.2% decline. The average score for DPS seniors was 951, down from the previous year’s 963. 

This follows the national and state trend. The US average dropped six points and the North Carolina average score dropped seven points. Of the state’s ten largest school districts, nine saw a decrease in their SAT scores.

SAT Notables:

-          DPS students participated in the exam at an increased rate when compared to the previous year, rising from 71.6% to 73.1%. This rate far surpasses both the national and state averages. Only 50% of the nation’s seniors took the exam while 64% of North Carolina’s seniors participated.

-          When analyzing standardized tests, it is commonly held that scores tend to drop when participation rates rise. DPS showed a drop of 1.2% in scores while increasing the participation rate by 1.5%.

-          Of special interest was the finding that both male students and African-American students in DPS increased participation by 13%. 

-          DPS African-American students increased their average score by eight points, while Hispanic students increased by 61 points.

-          Five DPS high schools increased their scores: J.D. Clements Early College, Hillside, Durham School of the Arts, Northern and Middle College High School at Durham Technical Community College.

-          Three DPS high schools had a higher average than both the national and state averages: Jordan, Durham School of the Arts and Middle College High School at Durham Technical Community College.

-          In 2011, the College Board changed its rules for reporting SAT scores. In 2010, the College Board began including students in the cohort for test administrations through March as well as June, but only reported scores through March. In previous years, the cohort only included students who were tested through March. The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction has advised that comparisons with previous years’ results cannot be made with fidelity. Direct year-to-year comparisons will be possible if the College Board release comparable district-level data from previous years. 

ACT Notables:

-          The district average ACT score was 21.2, an increase over the 20.9 of the previous year.

-          While there remains a gap between the DPS average ACT score (21.2) and the North Carolina average ACT score (21.9), the gap has now narrowed to seven tenths of a point. 

-          ACT participation rose from 267 seniors last year to 285 this year, a 6.7% increase.

Strategies for Continuous Improvement:

·         Build on the implementation of Professional Learning Communities to increase collaboration of teachers, maintain high standards and challenge students in all academic classes.

·         Develop an SAT/ACT Advisory Board that includes the DPS Offices of Instructional Services, Student Support Services and Community Education.

·         Increase partnership with the DPS Office of Public Affairs to advertise current SAT Prep opportunities.

·         Develop and implement a Professional Development plan for staff to ensure increased participation and success of students taking both the SAT and ACT tests.

·         Improve transition between middle and high school with a continuation of efforts to increase enrollment in advanced courses.

·         Increase communication emphasizing DPS Community Education resources, resources available through Durham community partnerships, College Board materials, and free online resources advertised on the school system’s website and Guidance centers. 

“While the increased participation is a very good indicator, I still have higher expectations for our scores,” said Superintendent Eric Becoats. “Moving forward, I fully intend to see our scores rise, our participation rates continue to increase and, most importantly, I expect our students to be prepared for success in college and in all future endeavors.”

Please be sure to see the attached charts. For more information, contact our Office of Research and Accountability at 919-560-2027.

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Jeff Nash

Interim Chief Communications Officer

P. 919.560.2602

C. 919.412.7947

jeff.nash@dpsnc.net <mailto:jeff.nash@dpsnc.net>