New program for SAT program

Written By:
BP Staff Writer

Staff Writer

Published:
Jan. 05 2010

Getting closer to the New Year, the school is starting off with a resolution of improving Standerized Aptitude Test (SAT) and the American College Testing (ACT) scores. Entitling a minimum of 10 hours of prep classes at school, the new Triumph Program will be mandatory for all juniors beginning this school year.

Assistant Principal Marie Koch will be in charge of the Triumph program this year. 

“The Triumph Program is a mandatory, online college test prep program. It gives you hints and practices for both the SAT and ACT. The county has decided that each junior has to have at least ten hours in or out of school,” Koch said.

According to Montgomery County Public School’s (MCPS) Board of Education, less than one in five test takers who took an Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exam earned at least one score of less than 3 or 4, respectively. Throughout the years of taking the SAT/ACT, such low scores have never been emphasized as much as they are today. However, the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) released a report, claiming SAT/ACT coaching will only improve scores by an average of 30 points.

“I think the program is worth it. It’s a good program but I still think students should individually put time into their own studying,” Junior Alex Jain said.

Although the program is intended to benefit all MCPS students, there are those who think it is unfair and a waste of MCPS’ money. The main question is should SAT vary on how much time an individual student puts into studying, or should similar programs focus on what is best for the student and their score?

“I’m not that interested and I think it’s a waste of time and money. I’m not really looking forward to spending more time on SAT at school when I have all those classes to take care of,” sophomore Joon Hyun said.
The MCPS homepage states it is noted that the intended goal from the Board of Education is at least a 1650 on SAT and 24 on ACT. The school average on SAT and ACT are around that average, some think a little help could not hurt.

“In 2008, studies show that Springbrook scored an average of 1475. This year, we scored a 1445 so that’s about a 30 point drop,” Koch said. 
Unfortunately, other schools, like Sherwood, have failed to improve their scores even with the program.

“There are other factors that contribute to lower scores so it may not just be because of the program,” Koch said.