090303news.htm

HAGERSTOWN, MD (September 3, 2003) - According to information released today, the combined SAT scores in Washington County are steadily improving. “The SAT provides the benchmark for admission to colleges and universities, and demonstrates that our students are competitive nationally,” said Dr. Elizabeth Morgan, Superintendent.

The system’s scores compare well with both state and national averages, said Kershner Wyatt, Supervisor of Testing and Accountability for the Washington County Public Schools. Wyatt released the following information after data analysis completed this week:

· The WCPS combined SAT score of 1026 exceeded the state average of 1024 and matched the national average of 1026.
· Washington County’s mathematics score of 525 exceeded both the state and national scores of 515 and 519, respectively. The county’s math score has exceeded the state and national averages since 1998.
· The county’s verbal score has remained relatively steady at around the 500 mark, this year coming up 5 points to 501.
· The number of WCPS students taking the SAT has also increased about 3% from 605 students in 2001 to 622 in 2003.
· 52% of seniors took the SAT reported in 2003.

“This is just the beginning of realizing the Board’s vision to enable all students to reach the highest levels of performance,” said Bernadette Wagner, Board of Education president.