By Carol Anders Staff Writer
Scores on the SAT tests for Indiana schools continue to drop. The results of the 2008 testing that were released Aug. 26 show that the scores of Indiana students taking the test increased in math, but reading and critical writing scores fell.
Last year’s Indiana graduates scored an average of 496 (down one point from 2007) out of a possible 800 on the critical reading portion of the exam that is often used by colleges as part of the entrance requirements. The average math scores statewide went up a mere one point to 508 and scores in writing fell from 483 to 481. The writing portion of the test was added in 2006.

The entire test was redesigned in 2006 to include more high-level math questions. A section on previous tests that used analogies was eliminated. What once took an average of three hours to complete, now takes approximately 45 minutes longer.
Locally, Culver High School showed a rather dramatic increase. Their scores in the reading portion of the test were up 36 points from last year. Similarly, math scores increased by 22 points and writing went up 20 points.
Culver High School students averaged 480 in reading, 492 in math and 453 in writing.
However, their 2008 overall scores are similar to other high schools in the area.
Albert Hanselman, principal of Culver High School, said, “This is a group of kids that have worked very hard. They have done a nice job academically and with the test scores.” However, he added that since they have a small enrollment, the sample size for the test scores is also small. He said, “We need to be cautious (when comparing).”
The state now offers workshops to help teachers understand and analyze the test scores and provide customized SAT study plans for students. Superintendent for Public Instruction for Indiana, Sue Ellen Reed, said, “The challenge is twofold: Students must take these opportunities seriously, and schools must use test data in making improvements to their curriculum and instructional practices.”
Nationwide, the scores in all areas remained unchanged for 2007. The national average in reading is 502. The math score average is 515 and the writing score is 494.