Fourteen area school districts surpassed the state and national averages of the SAT — the highest number in more than 15 years.
Data released Wednesday by the Pennsylvania Department of Education shows the 5,499 students who took the exam locally scored an average of 977 on the math and reading portions.
Averages for the 37 districts in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties range from 1,081 for Abington Heights, to 856 for Riverside.
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PA SAT Scores Database for 2016
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Scores are for students who graduated in 2016 and who took the old version of the test, last administered in January 2016.
The SAT math and reading portions are potentially worth 800 points each, for a possible total of 1,600. For the old exam, students also took an 800-point writing portion, but the scores are not factored into the totals by The Times-Tribune. Students now take a redesigned test worth a total of 1,600 possible points, plus an optional essay.
Both the state and national averages for the 2016 results are 1,002.
Abington Heights Superintendent Michael Mahon, Ph.D., said he is proud of the district’s achievement.
“It’s a reflection of the hard work of our students and teachers,” he said. “It’s obviously a positive reflection of the support our community gives for education.”
Several districts in Luzerne County also scored above the state and national averages for the 2016 test.
Dallas School District’s average reading/math score was 1079. A total of 169 Dallas students took the SAT last year. The reading average was 522; the math average was 557; and the writing average was 514.
“I am pleased our kids continue to do well,” Dallas Superintendent Thomas Duffy said. “We have great students from excellent families.”
Elective courses on SAT preparation help students, and the math and English/language arts departments help make sure “content areas are in tune” with any changes to the SAT, Duffy said.
Wyoming Valley West’s average reading and math score was 1028, also above the state and national average.
Wyoming Valley West Superintendent Irvin DeReemer said he believes SAT scores improved because of a decision to make the SAT preparation course for sophomores and juniors a full-year course. It had been a half-year course, he said.
“I’m very happy with the increase,” DeReemer said. “Kudos to the administration, guidance and everyone at the high school for doing a great job.”
A total of 138 Wyoming Valley West students took the SAT last year. The reading average was 516; the math average was 512.
“I am proud of the students and teachers for this monumental success, putting Wyoming Valley West where it should be — among the top schools in the county,” school board member Jim Fender said.
MICHAEL P. BUFFER, staff writer, contributed to this report.
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