DeKalb’s SAT scores drop

SAT scores in DeKalb County fell seven points this year, a drop compounded by last year’s 19-point plummet on the popular college entrance exam.

DeKalb’s overall scores totaled 1339, according to data released Tuesday by the state Department of Education. Critical reading scores fell five points to 452, writing scores dropped two points to 444 but, in a silver lining for the system, math scores held steady at 443.

Scores statewide dropped in all three areas of the test, totaling 1453. Scores nationwide remained unchanged over last year at 1511, the third year that the college entrance exam has included a writing section and now takes nearly four hours to complete.

SAT scores always fluctuate year to year because each class of students is unique, and experts say there are better ways to measure high schools including pass rates on the state’s graduation test and the number of Advanced Placement courses at each school.

Still, the annual release of scores causes a splash as some boast and others grab the Excedrin.

The SAT has a top score of 2400 and includes higher-level math problems and an essay portion. Each section is worth a total of 800 points.