[OYAN] In the News: Oregon SATs

[Katie Anderson]

Hi!  I thought you all might like a little positive news regarding education in Oregon.  You can read the article in full below or online at the StatesmanJournal.com<http://community.statesmanjournal.com/blogs/editorialblog/2011/09/14/oregon-dept-of-ed-corrects-its-press-release-about-sat-scores> .

Here are a few key points I copied and pasted directly from the article:

*         [Oregon set] a historical record for minority students taking the SAT.

*         Oregon ranks 22nd among states for the number of students taking the exam

  *   Oregon's writing score of 499, same as last year (national average was 489)
  *   Oregon's critical reading score of 520, down three points from last year (national average was 497)
  *   Oregon's math score of 521, down three points from last year (national average was 514)
Here are some things this article got me thinking about regarding libraries:

*         They praise the role of "rigorous coursework" in achievement on the SATs (which is critical for success).  However, there is no mention of the value of free voluntary reading which research shows has a significant impact on improving reading skills. I wonder how many of those teens who scored well on the SATs also read for fun, use their school or public library for entertainment and/or to pursue a personal interest, or participate in teen library programs?

*         Why did Oregon set the record for minority students taking the SAT?  I'm sure rigorous coursework had a significant impact, but what other support did those students get that helped them develop the skills needed for academic success? Oregon libraries strive to reach out to minority populations, particularly minority children and teens and their parents. How are these efforts contributing to academic success too?





Katie Anderson, Library Development Services
* Youth Services Consultant * Oregon Center for the Book Coordinator *
Oregon State Library, 250 Winter St. NE, Salem, OR 97301
katie.anderson at state.or.us<mailto:katie.anderson at state.or.us>, 503-378-2528

StatesmanJournal.com

Editorial Blog

Oregon's SAT performance scores remain highest in the nation

Oregon sets historical record for SAT exams among minority students

(SALEM, Ore.) State Superintendent Susan Castillo today released statewide results of the SAT college entrance exam for 2011 graduating seniors. SAT results show Oregon's performance remains among the highest of states in the nation.  Oregon ranks 22nd among states for the number of students taking the exam and also sets a historical record for minority students taking the SAT.  This year SAT scores for Oregon students show an overall strong performance with an increase in writing skills while math and reading skills remain consistent with 2010 scores.

"I am very proud to see Oregon setting an all time record for the number of minority students signing up and taking the SAT.  This shows me we are truly reaching out to all students to improve their readiness for the future," said State Superintendent Susan Castillo.  "I do want to see our SAT scores continue to climb and I know with the hard work of students, teachers and parents we can gain those higher scores and continue to support our students in exceeding the national average."

  *   Oregon's writing score of 499, same as last year (national average was 489)
  *   Oregon's critical reading score of 520, down three points from last year (national average was 497)
  *   Oregon's math score of 521, down three points from last year (national average was 514)

"The SAT results also show us why a strong foundation of rigorous coursework helps prepare our students for success in school and in the workforce.  We must also continue to improve our instruction to statewide educational standards, with renewed efforts by our Governor, to ensure all students get the education they need to become successful," said Castillo.

More than 18,754 Oregon students took the SAT, which represents 56 percent of the state's high school graduates. Of the state's 2011 college-bound seniors who took the SAT, 25 percent were minority students, up from 23 percent in 2010 and 20 percent in 2007.

The Oregon Department of Education pays for all sophomores to take the PSAT, an exam that predicts student performance on the SAT. For more information on data: www.collegeboard.org/SATPress <http://www.collegeboard.org/SATPress> .

URL: http://community.statesmanjournal.com/blogs/editorialblog/2011/09/14/oregon-dept-of-ed-corrects-its-press-release-about-sat-scores
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