U.S. SAT scores hold steady; slight increase in Pa.
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Average scores on all three sections of the SAT remained stable for the high school Class of 2008 while the number of total and minority test takers increased.
The national average for the more than 1.5 million students who took the test was 502 in critical reading, 515 in math and 494 in writing -- the same averages reported for the Class of 2007.
Pennsylvania scores remained below the national average, but inched up slightly from the previous year. Statewide, students averaged 494 in reading (up from 493 in 2007), 501 (from 499 last year) in math and 483 (from 482) in writing.
"Our high school investments have had a positive impact on student performance, as seen by the improved SAT scores, yet it remains clear that we need to continue improving the high school experience," said Gerald Zahorchak, state education secretary.
In this morning's presentation of the SAT results, College Board officials trumpeted the increases in participation by minority students. Over the past decade, the number of Hispanic students taking the test has more than doubled, while participation by African-Americans has grown by 61 percent.
First Published August 26, 2008 12:19 pm
