Stagnant SAT Scores = Call to Action

The College Board has released the 2013 SAT scores, which show that only 43 percent of this year’s SAT-takers graduated from high school prepared for college-level course work, a statistic that has remained steady over the past five years. Underrepresented students showed increases in both test participation and average scores. Of all 2013 test-takers, 46 percent were minority students—the largest percentage ever. The percentage of African American SAT-takers that met the college- and career-ready benchmark rose from 14.8 percent in 2012 to 15.6 percent. For Hispanic students, that number rose from 22.8 percent to 23.5 percent.

The College Board deems test-takers who attain at least a score of 1550 out of 2400 as ready for college because they have a 65 percent probability or higher of receiving a B- grade or better during their first year in college. Students who meet the benchmark are also more likely to complete their degree. As part of its 2013 score report (PDF), the College Board contends that all students must have access to rigorous courses to help them succeed in college.

Currently, the College Board is in the process of redesigning the SAT to align with the Common Core State Standards to better reflect what students need to know for success after high school.