by Rashi Branche and Jadrian Williams
An initiative to raise SAT scores is underway after a countywide push.
The SAT is a timed test that colleges use to judge student academic skills. Scores from Varina, Highland Springs and Henrico rank at the bottom of the county’s high schools. The average school scores last year were 435 on the critical reading section, 420 on math and 424 on writing.
English teacher and school SAT coordinator Emily Stains said the county is focused on raising scores.
“Due to high amounts of applications, colleges can be far more selective than they used to be,” Ms. Stains said. “With colleges getting more competitive, schools are using SATs as cut-off scores.”
Both the English and math departments have started to incorporate SAT skills into daily classroom instruction. English teachers have added SAT vocabulary, timed writings and practice tests to their lesson plans, while math teachers review sample problems and administer practice tests each nine weeks.
“The more the students practice the more likely they will receive a better score, and that’s important to us as teachers,” algebra teacher Stephen Wright said.
Sophomore TyJah Morton said her English teacher focuses on SAT vocabulary.
“I’m studying a few of the words in the dictionary that have come up in previous tests,” TyJah said.
Senior Jason Cecil said that the preparation time in class has helped him prepare for the test, especially on the English section.
“My English teacher has been going over how to write an essay in 25 minutes, and that has helped a lot,” Jason said.
While the school is continuing its SAT prep class, it is also offering a new college readiness course each semester. The class will help students with the SAT and with life after high school.
The PSAT is another tool the school uses to boost SAT scores. Taking the PSAT is a requirement for juniors. Last year, sophomores had the option to take it, but this year, the test is mandatory. The mandatory tests give more students practice and exposure to the SAT format.
“The PSATs force sophomores and juniors to see the rigor of the SAT,” Ms. Stains said.
Math teacher and SAT preparation class instructor Jessica Meade said that some student participants in these programs have seen up to a 100 point jump in their scores.
“I hope through the SAT program that students will put a greater focus on the SAT, and they will take it upon themselves to practice and prepare on their own,” Ms. Meade said.
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