August 26, 1997EMBARGOED UNTIL 12 NOON (Trost)
RE: SAN DIEGO SENIORS SCORE HIGHER SAT GAINS THAN STUDENTS IN CALIFORNIA AND NATION
San Diego seniors improved their scores on the Scholastic Assessment Test by more points than students nationally or in California.
The San Diego average combined score increased nine points, compared with a four-point increase for California and a three-point increase nationally. Average scores for San Diego seniors who took the SAT during the 1996-97 school year increased to 987 from the previous year's average of 978.
The average verbal score increased five points, from 482 in 1995-96 to 487 in 1996-97. The average math score rose four points, from 496 to 500.
These results compare to no change nationally on the verbal portion of the exam (505) and a three-point increase nationally on the math portion (from 508 to 511). Average California scores increased four points, from a 1995-96 total of 1006 to 1010.
The College Board, which administers the test, reports that "The most significant factor in interpreting SAT scores is the proportion of eligible students taking the exam - the participation rate. In general, the higher the percentage of students taking the test, the lower the average score."
Nationally, 42 percent of eligible students take the SAT, compared to 48.3 percent of eligible students in San Diego City Schools. The percentage of district students taking the exam decreased last year from 50.1 percent.
Scores for individual schools will be available later in the school year.
