SAT scores fall for Barrow students

For the school system as a whole, scores on the classic composite portion of the Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT) fell two points from the previous year’s total of 962.

The classic composite combines reading and math scores, but does not include the writing portion of the test.

Scores on the total composite, which does include the writing assessment, increased from 1431 to 1432.

While the overall school system scores remained relatively steady from the previous year, scores for Winder-Barrow High School students fell sharply.

WBHS students scored 21 points lower on the classic composite and 23 points lower on the total composite with scores of 944 and 1411 respectively.

Apalachee High School students posted gains from 2008-2009, scoring 30 points higher on the classic composite (988) and 41 points higher on the total composite (1467).

Unlike last year, AHS students exceeded both the school system and state (1453) total composite SAT scores. AHS still trails the national average of 1509. With a total composite of 1411, WBHS students scored below system, state and national averages.

Barrow County Schools superintendent Wanda Creel said school officials are analyzing the scores and planning ways to improve student performance.

“We will continue to work with students to help them identify which assessment is best suited for our students, the SAT or the ACT,” she said.