State SAT scores lead nation for sixth straight year

• Published August 26, 2008

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OLYMPIA — For the sixth consecutive year, Washington's SAT averages are the highest in the nation among states in which more than half of the eligible students took the tests, according to figures released by College Board today.

The ranking is based on students taking the SAT who were 12th-graders in the class of 2008, according to a news release from the state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

In 2008, Washington students in public schools averaged 522 in critical reading, 531 in math and 505 in writing. The state’s 2007 averages were similar (522 in reading, 527 in math and 505 in writing).

Nationally, scores in all three subject areas also remained steady, where public school students averaged 497 on critical reading (down one point from 2007), 510 in math (up one point) and 488 in writing (no change).

Among states with at least half of the eligible students taking the SAT, Washington ranked first in critical reading and math and fourth in writing, behind Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Statewide participation increased this year by 0.9 percent, to 30,667 public school students. A total of 1,167,849 public students across the nation took the SAT, down 1.4 percent from last year.

Two major ethnic groups in the state saw increased participation compared to 2007 — Hispanic students were up 19.9 percent and black students were up 3.8 percent. Asian and American Indian student participation decreased slightly by 1.2 percent and 3.8 percent, respectively.

The SAT is one of two primary college readiness exams evaluated by colleges and universities in their admissions process. Students can take the SAT at any time during high school, but results are only counted once in the national report. Students’ most recently earned scores are included in today’s announcement.

For national 2008 SAT scores, go to www.collegeboard.com.