The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), a measure of the developed verbal and mathematical abilities important for success in college, is given to students all across the country. The College-Bound Seniors Report presents data for high school graduates in the year 2008 who participated in the SAT Program.

Students are counted only once, no matter how often they tested, and only their most recent scores are reported. These scores do not always represent the highest score attained by a student, school, or system. “The 2008 SAT scores on the combined verbal, math, and writing subtests rank Forsyth County Schools 8th in the state among school systems,” stated L.C. (Buster) Evans, Superintendent. “We are also pleased that our number of participants has steadily increased over the past five years and that system scores continue to be above the national average.” “We’re especially pleased that all three of our high schools who gave this test last year saw increases in scores this year. I think this overall improvement speaks well to the dedication of our staff members in helping all of our students focus on the necessary steps they need to take to be successful in their post-secondary educations,” Evans added.

Again this year, Forsyth County Schools will be participating in the Online SAT Preparation Class offered through the Georgia Department of Education. Students in grades 9-12 will be provided a login through their high school for accessing the online course. The Online SAT
Preparation Course is offered free of charge and all FCS high school students are encouraged to participate. The online course offers 18 interactive lessons, 6 official practice tests, personalized reports, automated essay scoring, sample student essays, and detailed answer
explanations.

Additionally, in the spring of 2008, FCS implemented a new initiative called the 2400 Challenge, which seeks to help all FCS students be better prepared for post-secondary options. A major component of the 2400 Challenge is creating ways to better prepare for college entrance exams such as the SAT; the name is reflective of a perfect SAT score of 2400. A task force of school and community leaders worked for several months in the spring to complete recommendations for improvements throughout the system. Currently, the work of the task force is being compiled and their recommendations are scheduled to be presented to the Board of Education later this fall.

“We’re also excited about the work of our 2400 Challenge Task Force which met last spring,” said Superintendent Evans. “Currently the recommendations from the task force are being compiled and will be presented to the Board of Education later this fall. We are so fortunate in FCS to have strong community support for efforts such as the 2400 Challenge. Success of our students truly is a community endeavor and I was honored to work with everyone who volunteered their time for the 2400 Challenge Task Force.”