In this age of the incredibly shrinking attention span, less is more, immediate gratification, cyber-based shortcuts, etc., it’s quite refreshing when old fashioned hard work is rewarded.
Congratulations to students (and instructors) of Robert H. Goddard High School of Communication Arts & Technology in Ozone Park who, after putting in the long hours and working diligently after school, have seen their Scholastic Aptitude Test scores improve considerably, thanks in large part to their dedication and participation in an SAT preparatory course.
Funded by City Councilman Eric Ulrich since he took office in 2011, it’s not hyperbole to posit that the 10-week course has had a considerable impact on hundreds of lives. The proof is in the points:
2016
When comparing 11th grade student PSAT scores to their SAT scores in April 2016:
• The average score per student increased by 121 points
• The highest score increase was 380 points
• 36 students gained on average over 100 points
• The average PSAT score was 900
• The average SAT score was 1020
2017
When comparing 11th grade student PSAT scores to their SAT scores in April 2017:
• The average score per student increased by 153 points
• The highest score increase was 360 points
• 25 students gained on average over 100 points
• The average PSAT score was 950
• The average SAT score was 1100
2018
When comparing 11th grade student PSAT scores to their SAT scores in April 2018:
• The average score per student increased by 74 points
• The highest score increase was 390 points
• 11 students gained on average over 100 points
• The average PSAT score was 975
• The average SAT Score was 1050
“I am thrilled to again be funding this SAT prep course at Goddard High School. Many families do not have the financial means to shell out $500 for a program like this,” Ulrich said on Tuesday. “With this funding, we are able to offer a high-quality course with proven results—all at no cost. I’m very proud of this program, of this school, and of these students, who are committed to putting in the time, effort and energy to succeed.”
Goddard Principal Joseph Birgeles, Ph.D., didn’t mince (SAT) words when he declared that the “critical program” has changed “the trajectory of student performance resulting in more students being college and career ready.
“It has also supported many parents who felt relieved to know that their children were being supported by experts with the additional benefit of saving hundreds of dollars,” Birgeles added.
Congratulations, kids. Kudos, Councilman.
Enjoy the spoils. You’ve earned it.
