CMS scores on SAT rise in math, reading and writing
District outperforms state; number of test-takers also increases
The number of students taking the SAT increased in CharlotteMecklenburg Schools in 2014, and the district’s average scores also rose in
every area, surpassing the average scores in North Carolina.
The SAT, which tests students’ abilities in reading, math and writing,
is used by colleges to determine readiness for higher education. The
maximum score possible in each part of the test is 800, with a total
maximum score of 2400.
In reading, the average CMS score increased two points over the 2013
average to 501, topping the state and national averages. The average score
in North Carolina was 499, up four points from a year ago, and the national
average was 497. In math, the average score in CMS rose six points to 509
in 2014, compared to a state score of 507 that was down one point from a
year ago. The national average on math was 513. For the writing portion
of the test, the CMS average score rose four points from 2014 to 481; the
state average was down one point to 477 and the national average was 487.
The number of CMS students taking the test also increased, rising to
5,032 in 2014 compared to 5,016 a year earlier. Statewide, the number of
students taking the test in 2014 declined to 57,997 from 58,100 in 2013.
“We are very happy to see our scores increasing. We’re also very glad
to see that more of our students are taking the test because that means
they’re seriously considering college after high sch