Pearland works to improve student test scores

PEARLAND, TX (KTRK) -- The College Board says average Texas SAT scores are slipping. For the 2014 high school graduating class, the average score on the math portion in the state was 495 out of 800. That's the lowest in 22 years. Reading scores averaged 476 and writing scores came in at an average of 461.

It's a different story with Pearland ISD, where the district saw SAT scores climb by 62 points on average.

Dawson High School senior Naomi Andu is looking forward to graduation. In the meantime, she's become very familiar with the SAT study guide.

"I think for me it opens a lot of doors for colleges," Naomi said. "Standardized tests are really important, but also the PSAT, for me, kind of opened up a lot of scholarships. I think that's why I was really focused on it, instead of just thinking of it as a pre, or practice."

Naomi and other students in Pearland ISD are benefitting from a new academic approach over the last few years that has increased SAT scores more than 60 points. The district has opened enrollment to Advanced Placement classes and the PSAT starting in 9th grade through 11th grade.

Even more, Pearland ISD installed an SAT prep and college readiness class. The elective is opened to all students.

The Director of Advanced Academics says it's all about encouragement and experience.

"With every student in 9th, 10th and 11th grade taking that PSAT, it's like anything else you do, you practice, you develop some skill proficiency. It's not going into it the first time with no prep work and taking it blind."

It's the SAT prep class that Naomi credits for her 30 point jump on the SAT.

"Honestly, I didn't spend a lot of time at home," she said. "Most of it was just the SAT class here."