SAT scores drop in math for class of 2014
By Janet Lorin and Oliver Staley, Bloomberg
The high school class of 2014 turned in the lowest math scores on the SAT college-entrance exam since 2000, reinforcing concern that the U.S. is falling behind global rivals in science and math performance.
Math results dipped a point to 513 from last year and from a peak of 520 in 2005, while writing fell to 487, the lowest mark since that portion of the test was first given to the class of 2006. Reading scores rose by a point.
“Flat and stagnant would be the words that we would use,” Cyndie Schmeiser, chief of assessment at the College Board, which administers the test, said on a call with reporters.
U.S. teenagers lag behind peers from Asia in international tests of math, reading and science, prompting calls for improvements to educational standards. Fewer than half, or 42.6 percent, of SAT takers met benchmarks to show they are prepared for college-level work, compared with 42.7 percent last year.
