Published: September 02, 2008 09:46 am         

Challenging classes, reading help needed

There are few conclusions to be drawn from Indiana’s SAT scores, although some general trends should be noted.

Indiana’s average SAT score continues to trail the national average, but there is a greater proportion of Hoosier students taking the test — 62 percent vs. 45 percent for the U.S. as a whole.

Usually, students eyeing college take the SAT, which translates into higher scores. More test participation means the efforts of some marginal students are also included in the total scores.

There are also widely varying participation rates in Goshen-area high schools. Concord High School had 204 test-takers compared to 138 at Elkhart Central and 178 at Goshen. This prevents an accurate comparison of test scores between high schools.

However, the most recent SAT scores also indicate that students taking more rigorous classes in high school fare better on the tests than those who don’t. This seems obvious, but some students and parents still don’t get it.

There are academic opportunities for students who want to challenge themselves. For instance, the International Baccalaureate Diploma program at Goshen High School is being touted as a leading university entrance course.

One troubling trend in the state test scores is a continuing slide in reading and writing. Math scores actually have improved, but the reading scores are the lowest since at least 2000. Reading is the cornerstone for learning, and somehow students must be encouraged to look beyond the computer monitors and cell phones to spend some time absorbing the written word.

Testing provides a measure of educational accountability, but ultimately a student’s work ethic and intellectual curiosity will determine SAT success.