Watertown's SAT Scores Dropped from Last Year

SAT scores for Watertown High School students took a dip in 2012, and lagged behind the state but the downward trend has been seen nationally.

In all three subject areas, critical reading, math and writing, the mean score for Watertown students took a dip from 2011, according to the results released by the College Board this week.

In 2012, the 137 students had a mean score of 487 in reading, 513 in math and 484 in writing, out of a maximum of 800 on each test. The combined mean scores is 1,484. Last year, the mean scores were 492 in reading, 534 in math and 491 in writing, for a combined 1,517.

The statewide average this year was 506 for reading, 523 for math, and 500 for writing.

Nationally, reading scores fell to their lowest level in four decades. College-bound seniors scored an average of 496 points in reading, a 34-point drop since 1972, reported the College Board, which administers the SAT test.

The College Board also released the Advanced Placement (AP) test results. In Watertown, 96 students took 173 tests and they scored 3, 4 or 5 (considered passing and above) on 132 of the tests. In 2011, 91 students took 189 tests and 157 scored 3 or better.

Does the drop in scores concern you or is this just a blip for the town schools? Let us know in the comment section below.