Delaware releases SAT score report

For the first time, the State of Delaware in 2011 offered the SAT to every 11th grade student in public schools.  How did they do?

The mean (average) score for members of the Class of 2012 in critical reading was 436 of a possible 800, 449 in math, and 427 in writing.  About 93-percent of Delaware’s high school juniors took the SAT in the spring of this year. 

The program to offer it to every eligible student was made possible after Delaware was awarded $119-million in federal funding through the Race to the Top education improvement initiative.  The previous year, 36-percent of 11th graders took the test.

Education officials say although the mean scores declined slightly from the previous year, it will be more meaningful to look at the trends over a longer period of time.

“This is critical information that will inform principals and teachers so they can adjust instruction to ensure students are graduating ready to succeed in college and careers,” Education Secretary Lillian Lowery said.  “The state’s data coaches will work side-by-side with teachers to help them understand and use this data to meet student needs.”