Baltimore County Schools improve test scores

TOWSON, Md. - Baltimore County Public Schools saw strong gains in both its overall SAT test results for 2012 as well as passing and participation rates for 2012 Advanced Placement (AP) exams.

Preliminary data for the school system showed that the combined countywide SAT mean score increased by 17 points, from 1,459 points in 2011 to 1,476 in 2012.  This came while the  Maryland state SAT mean score fell five points on the 2,400-point scale (1,492 to 1,487)  and the national SAT score fell two points (1,500 to 1,498) during the same period.

On the AP exams, both passing rates and participation among diploma-bound senior students increased from 2011 to 2012. The school system's overall pass rate - the percentage of test-takers scoring 3 points or above on the 5-point test - rose from 64.4 percent last year to 67.4 percent this year. The percentage of county students taking AP tests increased as well, moving from 36.6 percent in 2011 to 37.8 percent in 2012.

"Our SAT and AP results show a strong school system growing stronger, but they also show that we have much work ahead of us," said BCPS Superintendent Dr. S. Dallas Dance. "As a snapshot of student achievement, these scores will provide us with valuable data to use to improve and enhance our instructional program.  BCPS must be able to provide opportunities for SAT and AP success across the school system, and we will continue working toward ensuring those resources are available."