RANGELEY — English teacher Tim Straub attended the Rangeley Lakes School Committee meeting Tuesday to answer questions about students’ low scores in writing on Scholastic Aptitude Tests.

The questions arose in a recent meeting when Principal Sherry Connally reported that nine out of 13 11th-graders scored below average on the test.

Straub pointed out that the SAT is a college entrance exam, and that many states claim excellent scores by requiring it only from college-bound students. Maine came in 50th because it requires every student to take the test, which is not a comparable indicator.

“I’m the SAT supervisor, but I don’t agree with the test,” Straub said. “We follow these kids from kindergarten on, and I want them to score well. Each student’s case is dealt with individually, then it’s up to the individual.”

Brad Stokes asked if being required to write in longhand could have confused students used to using a keyboard. Straub replied that juniors now have to turn in four timed, handwritten essays.

Virginia Nuttall said that test scores are here to stay and must be dealt with.

Sheridan Oldham said, “We have to be able to show the taxpayers that we work on the measurables.”

Connally reminded the committee that SATs will only be required for one more year. After that the move will be to the Smarter Balanced Assessment Coalition test.

“When we move to the SBAC you’ll see that it measures skill sets and proficiency, while the SAT is designed to measure college readiness, and we’re measuring all students in Maine to that mark,” Connally said. “It will be another whole shift in the next year, based on multiple measures that will address speaking and listening.”

Chris Farmer said it was not clear to the committee what the frame of reference is, and possibly not clear to anyone. “It just matters to me that the skill sets are learned.”

Farmer mentioned a proposed survey of RLRS graduates, which would cover areas such as the effectiveness of skill sets learned, the degree of effort and motivation in classes, and how well their education prepared them for different fields.

“We’ll ask basic things,” Farmer said, “such as, Where are you now? What are you doing? and, How well prepared do you feel?”

Committee input suggested limiting the survey to 15 questions, and posting it online, possibly on Facebook, as well as providing hard copies. The committee will approve the final form at the next meeting, making the survey available by the Christmas holidays.

Superintendant Brian Foster said the school will be sending out lunch program bills the first of the month.

Connally said the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 would be implemented starting the following Monday. The act mostly concerns portion control, and will limit proteins such as meat to two ounces for high school students, and one ounce for middle school and elementary school students. The students can have as much salad bar and vegetables as they want, theoretically encouraging healthier choices.

“The kitchen staff is worried that the kids won’t get enough to eat,” Connally said. “I think there will be a lot of unhappy kids and parents.”

Connally is looking into the possibility of changing vendors for school photographs. She said a photographer in Wilton has a less expensive plan, though Light Touch, the current vendor, returns some of its profit to the school as a refund, which must be factored into the decision.

The Rangeley’s Got Talent show, a fundraiser for the senior class, was postponed from Nov. 29 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 6 at the Lakeside Theater. The school’s Winter Concert is scheduled for 6:30 on Dec. 12.