<p>Smileygirl, we’re saying the same thing. It is possible to greatly improve scores through practice. Even taking a test at 12 and 13 is helpful because the kids get used to the format, improves their confidence, etc. I was quibbling with your statement that it’s ‘not that difficult’ to achieve the highest scores, but I would say instead it’s not that common. </p>
<p>I believe your daughter scored a 32? That is an excellent score – at the 99th percentile in my state for all students and I bet it’s 99th percentile for Hispanics nationally.</p>
<p>Perazziman, thanks for your analysis. It’s very interesting. I think my daughter did improve 3 SD in math and looks like sjdorlo’s son improved 3 SD in writing??? Part of the issue is that bright kids are already scoring high in middle school so they can only make the 3SD gains if they’re very lopsided in strengths.</p>