Increasing the number of Indiana high school students who take academically challenging courses is one way to improve Indiana's SAT scores, according to a recently released report.

The study, commissioned by the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents, recommended increasing the percentage of Hoosier high school students who seek honors diplomas.

In 1996, the study found, SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) takers who earned honors diplomas scored on average 244 points higher than regular diploma earners.

For example, in Indiana, the reported average score in 1996 for all SAT takers was 988. The reported average score for honors diploma earners was 1179.

As a result, the report issued four recommendations for expanding access to the honors diploma:

• Middle school curriculum should prepare students for high school honors programs.

• High schools should increase the availability of honors diploma courses.

• High schools and middle schools should keep parents and students informed of high school graduation and college admission requirements.

• The state should encourage schools to increase the number of students seeking the honors diploma.

Because Indiana's SAT scores consistently lag behind national averages, the IAPSS commissioned the research by the Indiana Education Policy Center. The reasons for Indiana's low standing range from the fact that a high percentage of Hoosier students take the SAT to the influence of low educational attainment of the students' parents.

The IAPSS report focused on how to improve the SAT scores. The study found that across the U.S., the more academic courses SAT takers complete, the higher their scores.

"What it shows, basically, is that the kids who want to take advantage of the opportunities are doing well on the SAT," Dr. Lee Harman, Warsaw school superintendent, said last week. "The SAT measures academic achievement,chased a mobile home in Leisure Acres, Sebring, Fla. Aside from wintering in Florida for 13 years, the Pipers have lived in the North Manchester area all of their married life.

While they don't travel anymore or spend time together fishing as they used to, Ethel said both are thankful for their health. "We're in great health for our ages," said Ethel, now 88. Her husband is 92. They reside at 501 Timbercrest Home, where Ethel said she is content to stay "and let people do for us."

The couple's four sons are Max Piper of North Manchester, who is employed by Gaunt & Sons Asphalt and is president of Piper Inc.; Duane Piper of Pembroke Pines, Fla., who is a retired manager of Super X in Miami, Fla.; Paul Piper of Alger, Ohio, who is a retired plant superintendent of United Technology in Kenton, Ohio; and V. Ray Piper of near North Manchester, who is a retired FBI agent. He and his wife will also be celebrating an anniversary of note this year - the couple have been married 50 years, and will join their parents to celebrate 120 years of marriage.

Ray and Ethel Piper have 20 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

"We've got a good family," Ethel said. "They're all very caring."

Family and friends are invited to attend the open house, but the Pipers ask that no gifts be brought. [[In-content Ad]]