Latinos Now Account for Largest Share of SAT® Scores
in California, State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Notes
SACRAMENTO—SAT® results released today by The College Board show that for the first time, Latino students in California public* schools represented a larger percentage of SAT test-takers than any other ethnic group.
Reflecting the state’s growing diversity, nearly 70 percent of California’s public school test-takers in the Class of 2012 were minority students, and of those, 36 percent—or 69,832 students—were Latino. This compares to 29 percent—or 56,590 test-takers—who were white; 22 percent—or 42,121 test-takers—who were Asian; and 7 percent—or 13,101 test-takers—who were African American.
"It’s wonderful to see the diversity of California reflected among our highest-achieving students and those who have their sights set on a college education," Torlakson said.
Nearly half of public school SAT takers in California reported that English was not exclusively their first language and that their parents’ highest level of education was a high school diploma or less.
Some 194,425 California public school students—or 50 percent—of seniors in this year’s class took the test at some point during their high school careers, which is a 2 percentage-point gain from last year and an 8 percentage-point gain over 10 years, The College Board data showed.
Nationally, 1,664,479 members of the class of 2012 (of which 1,284,459 attended public schools) took the SAT, considered a precursor to college admission. Statewide, a total of 231,964 students attending either public or private California high schools took the test.
Among California public school students in 2012 compared to last year, the mean writing score decreased 3 points to 491; the mean critical reading scores dropped 3 points to 491, and the mean math score dropped 3 points to 510.
The increase in the participation rate may have resulted in the decline of the mean scores, The College Board said.
Students from the California class of 2012 who took the SAT and/or SAT Subject Tests™ sent score reports to a total of 2,823 institutions, and 58 percent of students indicated they planned to attain a bachelor’s or a master’s degree, while 23 percent would like to attain a doctoral degree.
More information is available on The College Board and the SAT 
Web site
Web site
SAT results at the county, district, and school levels are not a part of today’s national release but will be available later this year on the CDE Postsecondary Preparation Web page.
* Please note that nearly all of the statistics used in this CDE News Release are taken from California public school results only.
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Tom Torlakson — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5206, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100
Communications Division, Room 5206, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100
Grazer Outstanding Achievement in Learning
GOAL Award background information and application.
The California Advisory Commission on Special Education (ACSE) wishes to recognize programs and practices in the field of special education that could benefit other students with disabilities. The Grazer Outstanding Achievement in Learning (GOAL) Award is one of many activities designed to celebrate the professionals, programs, and practices in California that serve youth with disabilities of all ages.
Why the name GOAL?
The name GOAL serves a dual purpose. First, the name symbolizes the need to establish both lofty goals and high expectations for all students. Second, the Commission wishes to officially recognize Brian Grazer's family for their ten-year commitment to honor the programs, practices, and professionals recognized by this award.
Who is eligible to apply?
Programs and practices in substantial compliance with Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 2004 operated by school districts, county offices of education, charter schools, and non-public schools that serve students with disabilities may apply.
What are the selection criteria?
Programs and practices will be judged on a GOAL Award scoring rubric, based on descriptors such as data demonstrating program performance, student achievement, school environment, improved student outcomes and other desired measurable results. Programs and practices should be innovative, exemplary, sustainable, and replicable and should demonstrate satisfaction and participation of students, staff, parents, and community.
Who was awarded the GOAL Award in 2012?
The 2011-12 GOAL Award recognized two special education programs serving students with disabilities:
- The Learn to Earn secondary transition program for middle and high school students with mild to moderate disabilities, Riverside Unified School District
- The Speech Improvement Class for students with mild articulation (speech sound) disorders, San Diego Unified School District's Speech-Language Pathology Department
What is the application process?
The application process includes the following:
- Submit a completed 2012-13 entry form (DOC; Posted 24-Sep-2012) to the Advisory Commission on Special Education at ACSE@cde.ca.gov no later than November 16, 2012, to be eligible.
- Willingness to host a half-day site visit by the judges, if selected.
- If selected, program representatives must be available to attend the GOAL Award ceremony in Sacramento.
When is the award ceremony?
This year’s awards ceremony will be held at the California Department of Education on Thursday, May 22, 2013. The ceremony typically starts at 11:00 A.M. with a reception immediately following.
Questions: Kathleen Smith | kasmith@cde.ca.gov | 916-327-3698