AHOSKIE – North Carolina’s SAT results for 2006 were released by State Superintendent June Atkinson and State Board of Education Chairman Howard Lee in late August.

The announcement revealed that Hertford County Public Schools’ average score continues to rise.

This year the subtotal average score was 825, which is for critical reading and math. That reflects a score 17 points higher than last year’s tally of 808.

The test now also includes a writing component.

With all three areas averaged together, the total average for Hertford County Public Schools is 1227.

“We are obviously proud of our students and what they have accomplished,” stated Interim Hertford County Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Mary Jo Allen.

“A course for excellence was set and our students rose to the challenge.

She continued, “More students are taking more rigorous courses that are better preparing them for college or advanced studies. “Parents and educators alike need to continue to stress the importance of following a challenging course of study.

Students can only benefit from this, even if they are not planning on pursuing a college education.”

Students in North Carolina continued to close the gap between national and state averages.

Overall, nationwide scores were down.

North Carolina students also continued to outshine other states in the Southeast with scores averaging seven points higher than Florida, South Carolina, Georgia and Virginia.

The SAT is a test that is an entrance requirement for most colleges and universities.