Group	2016 #Test Takers	2016 Reading	2016 Math	2016 Writing	2016 Composite
Alcovy High	177	444	433	435	1312
Eastside High	149	497	494	481	1472
Newton High	170	456	428	430	1314
NCSS	496	464	450	447	1361
Georgia	64,473	493	490	476	1459
USA	1,637,589	494	508	482	1484

Newton County School System’s (NCSS) overall scores on the SAT increased across the board in 2016. The district posted an 11-point increase in both reading and math and a six point improvement in writing. As a result of the increases in each category, NCSS posted a 28-point increase on the SAT composite score. Although national SAT scores decreased in every category, both NCSS and Georgia showed improvement in each subject and the composite in 2016.

The SAT is a national college entrance exam some colleges and universities utilize to measure critical thinking skills students need for academic success in college. The SAT assesses how well students analyze and solve problems. It is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors.

Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200—800, with two Writing subscores for multiple-choice and the essay. It is administered seven times a year in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S. Territories, and six times a year overseas. Students may take the test multiple times over multiple years. Colleges and universities will use, for admission purposes, the highest score from a testing category; regardless of how many times the student has taken the test. The College Board, however, only reports collectively the most recent scores achieved by students.

At the school level, Alcovy High School students boosted their reading and math scores by one and seven points respectively in 2016. The school’s writing score dipped slightly, by just one point. As a result of their increased scores in two of three subject areas, the Alcovy High School SAT composite score improved by seven points in 2016. In fact, Alcovy High School has continued its upward trajectory on the SAT since 2014, when the school posted significant gains in every category. Last year the school increased scores again in math and writing and held steady in reading. As a result of Alcovy High School’s three consecutive years of improvement, the school’s overall SAT composite score has increased by 26 points since 2013.

Eastside High School also posted huge gains on the SAT in 2016, besting the state’s score in math and writing and both the state and national score in reading along the way. Eastside students improved reading and writing scores by 12 points and 10 points respectively in 2016; however, math was where they posted their greatest gain, besting their previous year’s score by 25 points. As a result, Eastside High School’s SAT composite score increased by 47 points in 2016. And the school’s 2016 results a one-time improvement as Eastside High School has continually raised the bar each of the last three years. The school has posted significant increases in every category on the SAT in 2014, 2015, and 2016. As a result, the school’s SAT composite score has rocketed 70 points since 2013.

Newton High School also showed marked improvement on the SAT in 2016. Although the school’s math scores did decrease by five points, students boosted the school’s writing scores by four points and also posted a 14-point increase in reading. With gains in two out of three subjects, Newton High School’s SAT composite score showed great improvement, rising 13 points in 2016.

“Congratulations to our high school students, teachers, leaders and staff for their continued focus on improving SAT scores; the increases are significant and demonstrate a clear commitment to ensuring our students have choices beyond high school,” said Samantha Fuhrey, NCSS Superintendent. “Our recent results are a reflection of the hard work and focus that is required of teachers and leaders as outlined in our system’s college and career ready plan. The Newton County School System’s plan incorporates the work and efforts at all grade levels, as improvement in SAT scores begins in kindergarten. Improving student outcomes takes a combination of high expectations of our students and staff, rigorous coursework in all grade levels, the daily utilization of highly effective teaching practices, and the commitment of our students to place a high importance on their education. It is also important for students to have support from parents and family to reinforce the value of their education.”

She added, “While we are not where we wish to be, we are committed to continuing our upward trajectory, and I am proud of the work of our NCSS team.”

For more information on Newton County’s 2016 SAT results, contact Dr. Allison Jordan, Director of Testing for Newton County Schools, at [email protected]