Articles

SAT Math Scores Rise, Verbal Scores Flat

Public Agenda Alert
September 1, 2005

Average SAT math scores hit their highest level ever for the class of 2005, but verbal scores remained flat, according to the College Board. While minority students made advances in their scores, the report noted that minority students are still less likely to take college prep courses like physics and calculus.

Earlier this year, Public Agenda examined the aspirations of young people in our "Life After High School" survey. We found the vast majority of young adults, of all races, strongly believe in the value of higher education. But the study raises questions about the shortage of high school counselors and the economic pressures felt by many young adults, especially minorities. The study also portrays the hit-or-miss career path experienced by those who enter the work force with a college or technical degree.

We found substantial numbers of young people believe their high school teachers and classes should have done a lot more to prepare them for college level work. But they also hold themselves accountable for poor preparation. For example, 69 percent of African Americans, 75 percent of Hispanics, 70 percent of Asian Americans and 65 percent of whites admit that they themselves "could have paid a lot more attention and worked harder" in high school.

"Life After High School" was funded by the College Board, GE Foundation, the George Gund Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation and KnowledgeWorks Foundation.

Download a free copy of "Life After High School" (requires
Adobe Acrobat):
http://www.publicagenda.org/research/
research_reports_details.cfm?list=31

Read the College Board report:
http://www.collegeboard.com/press/article/0,3183,46851,00.html

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