SAT scores improve in Alleghany
By LAURA THORNBURG
Staff
Alleghany County students' performance on the Scholastic Aptitude
Test (SAT) improved slightly when compared to last year's results, as
the state average showed a slight decrease when compared to last
year's results.
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction released results
Aug. 28 that showed Alleghany ranking in the same category as
neighboring Surry County in terms of sub-total scores.
A total of 37 Alleghany High School students took part in the test,
as compared to 45 last year.
This year, students received an average score of 980, compared to
last year's average score of 965.
The average math, verbal and writing scores each saw slight increases
over last year's results. This year, Alleghany students averaged 501
in math, as compared to 491 last year; averaged 479 in verbal, as
compared to 474 last year; and averaged 480 in writing, as compared
to 470 last year.
Superintendent Jeff Cox commented, "I am pleased to see that we have
made improvements in all areas of the SAT. The competition to be
accepted into a university is much greater than when my generation
was applying to college 20 years ago. Most kids could get into a
university with a 1000 on the SAT 20 years ago. At many universities
today, a 1000 on the SAT simply is not good enough. We have to keep
pushing our kids to higher levels."
Neighboring Counties
Like last year, neighboring Surry County had an average score closest
to that of Alleghany County with 971, nearly 40 points (38) lower
than the 1009 average they achieved last year. According to the
report, a total of 236 students in three high schools took the test
there. At East Surry High, 69 students took the test and scored an
average 490 in math, average 475 in verbal and average 461 on the
writing test. A total of 86 students took the test at North Surry
High and scored an average 508 in math, average 467 in verbal and
average 454 on the writing test. At Surry Central, a total of 81
students took the test and scored an average 504 in math, average 468
in verbal and average 449 on the writing test.
Students in Ashe County, Elkin City and Wilkes counties exceeded the
state average of 1004 and the national average of 1017.
In terms of areas neighboring Alleghany County, the average results
in Wilkes County, 1021, came closest to the national average. A total
of 248 students took the test in four high schools. At East Wilkes
High, 36 student took the SAT, averaging 534 in math, averaging 526
in verbal and averaging 511 on the writing test. At North Wilkes
High, 52 students took the test and scored an average 483 in math,
average 493 in verbal and average 461 on the writing test. At West
Wilkes High, 57 students took the test and aver
N.C. Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler discusses the current
drought-induced feed shortages from the back of a truck as a crowd of
about 100 farmers and others listens during a program on alternative
feeds presented at the Upper Mountain Research Station in Laurel
Springs on Sept. 5. The station is located in Ashe County, near the
Alleghany County line.
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