Vance County Schools below state average on SAT


** Updated & Corrected **

Editor’s Note: In my rush to believe that I had contributed to something gone right, I managed to read the wrong column of the information released by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Although I am embarrassed by the error, I am heartened that my readers were cynical enough to research what I reported for themselves and uncover this mistake.

North Carolina gap with nation narrows to ten points

North Carolina’s average SAT score in 2008 increased, bringing the state to within ten points of the nation’s average, according to information released today by The College Board.

North Carolina’s average SAT score was 1,007, and the nation’s was 1,017.

The national and state averages reported in the press release from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction included only the scores for the mathematics and critical reading portions of the test. The SAT also includes a writing section.

Vance County Schools’ average was lower than that of the state at 830. Northern Vance High School had an average score of 809, while Southern Vance High School averaged 850. Western Vance High School was not listed in the report.

Vance’s average was down slightly in 2008 from 841 in 2007.

It is unclear whether or not the newly-formed Early College High School will report SAT scores. Vance-Granville Community College does not require the SAT as an admission criteria, and students enrolled in the high school work towards a high school diploma and an Associates’ degree simultaneously.

North Carolina students also out performed the nation on the ACT for the first time in at least five years and improved their performance on Advanced Placement tests.

To read more, as well as access local district and high schools’ results, please go to the NCDPI Web site and click on the appropriate link under “News.”