Rockdale’s SAT scores: slight decline

SAT scores for high schools around the state have just been released for last year’s graduating classes. Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) had a slight decrease in its composite SAT score, dropping from 1,332 to 1,321.

“We just received these preliminary reports and will take the necessary time to analyze our scores,” said Superintendent Richard Autry. “We are not happy with our results as we did not experience an increase such as the state average. Specifically, we will be using the PSAT scores to help guide our preparation efforts. Through a new partnership with College Board and Khan Academy, students will be given the opportunity to take targeted practice tests based on their PSAT results. This is a great opportunity for students to hone their skills by taking practice tests with instant feedback and a personalized preparation plan.”

Students should be sure to complete the necessary core academic and Advanced Placement courses prior to taking college entrance exams. Often, students take these tests before they have exposed themselves to the rigor of Advanced Placement courses, which are critical to posting a high score on this type of assessment. RCPS supports its students’ aspirations to go to college and will continue to provide free SAT preparation and improved advisement to parents and students so that they may achieve this goal.

RCPS has a guide for parents and students called Map Your Future, which outlines the best approach and timeline for preparing to take college entrance exams beginning at the middle school level. SAT scores cannot be significantly increased through short-term preparation programs or memorization strategies. Students must be exposed to higher level concepts, complex reading material, and sophisticated problem solving activities at an early age. As a school district, RCPS will continue to provide increased opportunities for advanced and enriched learning that exceeds that of the basic curriculum.

RCPS recommends the following guidelines for students to be successful with college entrance exams:

• Know which entrance exam is required by the college for which you are applying (ACT, SAT, PLAN).
• Ideally, students should take entrance exams at the beginning of their senior year after successful completion of core content courses.
• Students should complete at least one Advanced Placement course prior to testing.
• Students in 11^th grade should attend the free one-week February Intersession SAT prep workshop. Seniors should sign up for free Saturday workshops prior to their test date.

Follow the RCPS Map Your Future, which is a basic guide for preparation beginning in middle school. All middle and high schools have copies of the guide, which can also be found at www.rockdaleschools.org/mapyourfuture