Sewanhaka School Board Reviews Most Recent Test Scores

Sewanhaka Central High School District officials went over the 2010-2011 standardized test scores at Tuesday’s board of education meeting. Regarding Advanced Placement tests, students who achieved a three or higher at both and dropped.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Linda Opyr led the presentation, reviewing student scores on Regents and Advanced Placement exams. Opyr said students across the district did “exceedingly well” last year with a high percentage passing various Regents exams, including an impressive 97 percent in English and Spanish.

She compared Advanced Placement exams last year to the year before at all five schools. Approximately 2573 students took the AP exam in total, an increase of 269 students. 

Elmont and Floral Park improved with a higher number of AP exams and higher percentage of students who passed with a three or higher. While H. Frank Carey slightly dipped in the number of exams, the percentage of those who passed increased.

School officials reminded those in attendance to not take AP scores too seriously as the courses better prepare the students for college whether or not they receive a three or higher on the exam.

One woman questioned the incentive for students to join the advanced classes, saying she knows students who do well in school but don’t want the extra work if they’re going to suffer with a lower average.

A school official informed her that those in AP courses have a weighted GPA of 1.08 and gave examples of students who received a two or lower on the exam who went on to receive full scholarships and excelled in college.

The district aims to increase test scores as well as the amount of students in AP classes.

The next board of education meeting will be held on Oct. 25 at Sewanhaka  at 8 p.m.