As reported in the 11/24/11 Windham Independent, 82 Windham High School students took the SAT exam, with poor results — average scores were 523 in critical reading, 516 in math, and 508 in writing. Although these scores are disappointing, the Windham Independent states they are above the NH state average.
The New York Times reported in September that the 2011 SAT national averages are lower than previous years, with average critical reading scores at 497 (the lowest on record), math at 514, and writing at 489. The College Board, administrators of the national exam, blames the lower scores on increased diversity in the student population who take the tests. They explained that 27% of test-takers come from homes where English is not their primary language.
So, what is Windham’s excuse?
According to WHS reports filed with the NH DOE, only two students in the entire school, 0.4%, identify themselves as having limited English proficiency.
Clearly, limited English skills are not to blame for our poor test results.
But what about the costs of providing excellent education? For years politicians and education “experts” justify the increasing education budgets as the cost of proving the best education to our children. So, at the price we’re paying, shouldn’t we have phenomenal results to show for it?
According to the Feb 2011 NH DOE report, Windham’s cost is $20,335.86 per pupil, among the very highest in the state. The state average is $12,036.00.
Surely, at this price, shouldn’t our kids be receiving among the very best education? And we’re supposed to accept the increased school budget without question, as the cost of proving educational excellence?
Our children deserve better. And Windham taxpayers deserve better.
~ Michelle Levell, Windham resident