August 29, 2006 First-year baseline scores on the redesigned SAT test were released today yielding newly-computed composite scores inclusive of a new writing test. The inclusion of the additional test brings the perfect SAT score up to 2400, compared to 1600 when only math and critical reading scores formed the composite. The redesigned SAT also includes tougher math problems and more reading analysis. It takes 45 minutes longer – a total of nearly five hours, including breaks – to complete. The average SAT composite for Horry County Schools is 1498, which is 33 points above the state average of 1465 and 20 points below the national average of 1518. Aynor High School, Conway High School, Green Sea Floyds High School, Myrtle Beach High School and Socastee High School are above the national average this year. The average SAT math score of district seniors decreased six points to 517 compared to 523 in 2005, outpacing the state by 19 points and falling one point below the national average. South Carolina's seniors decreased one point to 498 compared to the national SAT math score of 518, which was down two points from last year. District seniors scored 493 in critical reading, four points less than 497 in 2005, showing a lead of six points on the state average and falling behind the national average by 10 points. The state's average critical reading score decreased seven points to 487, while the national average score fell five points to 503. The average score on the new writing section was 488 at the district level, eight points above the state average of 480 and nine points below the national average of 497.
Even with this year’s decline in critical reading and math, the College Board, which tracks five- and 10-year SAT trends, said the South Carolina’s 11-point improvement since 2001 was the nation’s third-best. Prior to the release of 2006 results, South Carolina had held the nation’s No. 1 ranking for five-year SAT improvement for four consecutive years. South Carolina remained No. 1 on the College Board’s 10-year trend report with a 31-point gain. The national 10-year increase was eight points. The 2006 SAT results are inconsistent with the results the district experienced on the ACT with these same students. ACT results increased five tenths of one point, 19.9 in 2006 compared to 19.4 in 2005. While the ACT and SAT are different tests, the gain has been compared to a 20-point increase on the SAT. Also, the same class of students participated in more Advanced Placement courses and earned a record breaking $34 million in college scholarships. HCS high schools and their 2006 composite scores on SAT critical reading and math, as well as baseline scores for the first writing test are as follows: - Aynor High School, 1548;
- Carolina Forest High School, 1494;
- Conway High School, 1527;
- Green Sea Floyds High School, 1549;
- Loris High School, 1364;
- Myrtle Beach High School, 1534;
- North Myrtle Beach High School, 1464;
- St. James High School, 1444;
- Socastee High School, 1532;
- Academy for Arts, Science, and Technology, 1488.
For more information about the SAT, visit the Horry County Schools website at www.hcs.k12.sc.us or the State Department of Education's web site at http://ed.sc.gov.
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