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Sun Gazette AMRG06.indd 1
3/27/09 2:56:14 PM
VOLUME 81 NO. 46 OCTOBER 6-12, 2016
ARLINGTON’S SOURCE FOR HOMETOWN NEWS SINCE 1935
County SAT Scores Post Modest Drop
On-Time-Graduation Rates Also Decline, Reversing Trend SCOTT McCAFFREY Staff Writer
TIME FLIES WHEN YOU’RE IN THE FAMILY GARDEN! Back in 1997, the Northern Virginia Sun ran a photo of 5-year-old twins Alyssa and Ian McGowan of Arlington, who had grown giant zucchinis along with a host of other vegetables in the family garden. As the photo above (taken by mom Laura Tartaro-McGowan) shows, the twins have grown – they’re now 24 years old – but their passion for harvesting vegetables remains unabated. This year, they’ve grown yellow squash, tomatoes, green beans, peppers, eggplant, basil, mint, rosemary – and yes, zucchini!
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Although down 18 points compared to a year before, SAT scores from Arlington Public Schools’ Class of 2016 continued to outpace the state and national averages both statewide and nationally, according to new figures. The average score of 1661 (on a scale of 600 to 2400) by Arlington seniors taking the test was down from 1679 a year before, based on figures reported by the College Board and the county school system. Graduating seniors posted an average score of 560 (down from 563) on the reading portion of the test, 538 (down from 546) on the writing and 563 (down from 570) on math. (Figures include tests taken prior to last spring, when the
SAT was reconfigured to a new format.) Though down from a year before, the scores are reason for applause, Superintendent Patrick Murphy said in a statement released with the data. “Our students continue to have a proven track record of exceptional performance on the SAT,” Murphy said. “We are very proud of their success and their level of preparation for post-secondary opportunities.” Statewide, Virginia students scored an average of 516 on reading, up one point from a year before; 493 on writing, down two points; and 513 in math, unchanged. Nationally, average scores for public-school students were 487 in reading, down two points; 472 in math, down three points; and 494 in math, down