The school system saw higher scores in the SAT and AP exams for 2012, but Baltimore County is still trailing behind the national and state SAT average.
Early data showed a 17-point gain in the combined countywide mean SAT score, from 1,459 points in 2011 to 1,476 points in 2012 on a 2,400-point scale, according to a Baltimore County Public Schools news release. However, participation on the test dipped from 60.1 percent to 57.5 percent of all students.
By comparison, the state had a mean of 1,487 points and the country 1,498 points, the release reads. Despite the higher means, the state fell five points from 2011 and the country 2 points.
On the AP exams, the percentage of diploma-bound seniors scoring 3 points or higher on the 5 point tests increased from 64.4 percent in 2011 to 67.4 percent in 2012, school system officials said. The percentage of students taking the tests also rose from 36.6 percent to 37.8 percent.
The state saw a 5.4 percent increase in the number of AP exams taken from 2011 to 2012, according to a Maryland State Department of Education news release. Although 116,614 tests were taken in 2012, the percentage of those receiving scores of 3 to 5 increased nearly 10 percent.
Maryland has ranked first in the country for success on the AP exams for the past four years, the state's release reads. The College Board will release the 2012 standings in early 2013.
Parents and schools are placing tons of kids in AP courses that simply can't handle the rigorous coursework; however, teachers are retaining kids and passing them along since there is pressure to inflate grades. Most kids take the course but don't take the test because they know that they don't have a chance in hell in scoring a 3 or better and it costs $80 per test, $40 for the review book ...etc (multiply that by 116,614 and you'll understand why the College Board isin the education business). Many systems (I.e. you and me) subsidize the cost of the test for "high need" students. Based on the article, taking these courses doesn't really mean much to colleges or college success. Just another education cash cow that sounds great but doesn't mean much in the big picture. It's the teacher that makes the difference - not the name of the course.
I did snicker when I read your "probably the lack of A/C in schools". While I didn't have it growing up during all 12 years (of private school no less), we didn't have 25+ students crammed into the room either and we didn't go to school in August or June.
that stage is always a constant. for those seeking election. America needs at a minimum a third party. regardless of their platform . It is the only way to keep the two controlling parties in check. when the independent party and the Republican party take over then the Democratic party will be the way to go and so on, It must stay in flux that way to be effective in any real way. Forsure even the independent party and tea parties will be corrupted as they come into power and attract their on vermon
I'm just picking on you Tony, but I am going to be so glad when election season is over.
You will get even more shots at me in 2014 as I intend to run for county executive and don't worry all of my releases will be copy editied. I have never had a problem with substanative and cojent thought just spelling and if you don't know what to say the other is mute anyway. My son scored a 2130 on his SAT and then dropped out of Towson after the first semester. He was crushed by what a joke the education system was contrasted against his expectations. The kid speaks three languages and has a great musical mind. google Jimmy Solesky Youtube.
1470 is ridiculously good though for that scale. My score was 1320 and I recall that percentile was in the mid 90s.
Both of my test scores ended in multiples of 10, and don't recall anyone else at the time having something different. As you mention, the tests have changed, likely several times over the past couple decades. Nothing like feeling old :)