For Immediate Release
August 31, 2004
Illinois college-bound seniors increase scores on SAT
More take AP test – even more eligible
Springfield, Ill.—A record number of Illinois high
school students took the 2004 Advanced Placement (AP) tests
and the state saw marked improvement in their scores. According
to a statewide report released today by the Illinois State
Board of Education a record 73,150 AP tests were taken by
college-bound seniors with almost two-thirds of them scoring
at the “3” to “5” levels to receive college
credit.
But, more interesting is the research noted by the College
Board which administers the test and reveals the number of
students who could be taking AP courses and the tests, and
be headed for college.
“Our AP numbers are excellent!” said State Superintendent
of Education Robert Schiller. “But according to research,
at least 10 times the number of students currently taking
AP courses, and achieving credit, could be added if provided
guidance and access. So, Illinois and other states could do
even better.”
Overall African-American participation in AP tests was slightly
down and almost flat (-.5%); Hispanic participation was up
7.1%; Asian participation was up 8.5% and American Indian
was down 12.7%
“What we’re seeing is that in the past AP courses
were viewed as part of gifted programs or for gifted students,”
said Schiller. “Instead, we need to view these programs
as offering the type of rigorous courses that both challenge
as well as prepare students for college work.”
The AP results were released along with the annual SAT results
which once again increased statewide as Illinois students
outperformed their counterparts across the nation. The mathematics
score for Illinois public and non-public high school graduates
was 77 points higher than the national average. At 585, the
this year’s score was 2 points higher than last year.
In the verbal section Illinois students averaged at 597, or
79 points higher than the national average and one point higher
than last year.
“We are pleased that yet another set of tests results
confirms that Illinois is, and has been, on the right track,”
said Schiller. “The results, state and national, once
again confirm that those students who follow a core curriculum
of study are better prepared for these exams and for college.
The SAT results once again increased statewide as Illinois
students outperformed their counterparts across the nation.
The mathematics score for Illinois public and nonpublic high
school graduates was 79 points higher than the national average.
At 597, the this year’s score was 1 points higher than
last year. In the verbal section Illinois students averaged
at 585, or 77 points higher than the national average and
two points higher than last year.
“We are pleased that yet another set of tests results
confirms that Illinois is, and has been, on the right track,”
said Schiller. “The results, state and national, once
again confirm that those students who follow a core curriculum
of study are better prepared for these exams and for college.
According to the report, SAT participation by minorities
at public and nonpublic schools was also up. African-American
participation was up 4.2%; Hispanic participation went up
11.2%; American Indian up 37.5% and Asian participation was
up 2.2%
In other SAT results:
- scores have steadily increased for Illinois students in
math since 2000 when the average was 586
- Scores in the verbal SAT have increased the past four
years, from 576 in 2001.
- Over the past ten years, math scores have increased 35
points while verbal scores have increased 32 points.
- The number of students participating in the PSAT (for
college-bound sophomores and juniors) is up 8.2%
- SAT scores for each of the minority subgroups are higher
than those for their minority counterparts around the country.
Integrated State
Summary 2004 - All Schools 
|
