The average SAT scores at Lawrence's high schools remained above most state and national averages, according to the College Board results released Tuesday morning.
At the public high schools, only 150 students - 79 at Lawrence High and 71 at Free State - took the test in 2006-2007, compared with 169 last year and the 553 students who took the ACT test, a more common college entrance test in the Midwest.
Here's how the scores from 2006-2007 compared with 2005-2006:
- Reading: LHS scored 600, up from 584; Free State scored 602, up from 599.
- Math: LHS scored 568, down from 584; Free State scored 599, up from 572.
- Writing: LHS scored 576, up from 570; Free State's score of 576 was the same.
Meanwhile at the national level, scores dipped to 502 in reading, 515 in math and 494 in writing. But at the state level, scores improved in math from 518 to 590, and in reading from 497 to 569.
Bishop Seabury Academy, a private Lawrence school, surpassed the state and national average SAT scores.
Eleven of Bishop Seabury's current 14 seniors took the SAT last year, said Matt Patterson, assistant head of school. The average scores were 628 for reading, 611 for math and 622 for writing.
Academy leaders said the scores reflected success in the school's curriculum.
"In general, it's teachers and parents working together to make sure students get the help they need," said Don Schawang, Seabury's head of school.
The success in Lawrence contrasts with the national average scores. Combined math and reading SAT scores for the high school class of 2007 were the lowest in eight years - a trend the College Board attributed largely to the good news that a more diverse pool of students is taking the exam.
After the College Board lengthened and redesigned the exam last year, scores took an unusually steep tumble of seven points. This year's further drop could renew questions about whether scores on the new exam are compatible with the old one, as the College Board assured educators would be the case.
Scores on the rival ACT exam, which were reported earlier this month, rose this year.
Comments
LJWorld.com doesn’t necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full policy. Also, read about banned accounts and harassing comments.