Local SAT scores are highest in seven years

By Lynn Hotaling

Continuing the positive results of recent ABC scores, college-bound Jackson County students posted their highest SAT scores in seven years.

With an average score of 1,042, Jackson County seniors easily bested both the North Carolina average (1,001) and the national average (1,026) and bested last year's county score (996) by 48 points.

Only the scores of 2002-03 seniors were used in determining this year's figures.

Superintendent Mack McCary said he was pleased with local students' strong showing.

"These are the best scores as a district we've had in seven years and come on the heels of the best ABC scores we've ever had," McCary said. "This is a clear indication that our teachers and staff are doing something right and that our students are learning."

Jackson tested 57.9 percent (125) of its seniors last year.

County students' scores ranked sixth among Western North Carolina school systems, up from 11th place a year ago.

Transylvania County, with an average score of 1,087, topped WNC school systems. Buncombe County, which led regional school last year, dropped to second place with an average score of 1,072.

'Locally, the highest scores were at Blue Ridge. Fourteen seniors took the test and averaged 1,074, which marked a 284 jump from last year's school average of 790.

"Because of the small class size, (our scores) fluctuate more than in the larger classes at typical high schools," said Principal Roy Douthitt. "We are proud to test such a high percentage (87.5) and improve so much on our scores overall."

Smoky Mountain High seniors posted an average score of 1,038, improving the school's 2002 mark by 23 points with 56.9 percent of seniors taking the test.

"We are certainly proud of our students and staff for working so hard to improve these scores," said SMHS Interim Principal Alex Bell. "We offer the SAT review class, which I think has been a great help in making this possible."

Statewide, scores are up. This year's 1,001 state SAT average is a three-point improvement over last year's 998, and the gap between the N.C. average and the national average closed to 25 points.

The SAT measures a student's reasoning, verbal and math skills against the skills needed to be successful in freshman-level college course work. The primary use for SAT scores is as a tool for admissions officials at colleges and universities.