AP, "SAT reading scores fall to lowest level on record"

The College Board said 2011 SAT reading scores nationally were the lowest on record and combined reading and math scores fell to their lowest level since 1995. The reason, it said, is the growing number and diversity of test-takers, especially an increase in Hispanic participants. Test-takers from non-English-only homes grew to 27% from 19% a decade ago. As more students aim for college, average scores tend to drop. - HTN Foundation

SAT reading scores fall to lowest level on record

Chart shows mean SAT scores since 1972.

SAT reading scores for the high school class of 2011 were the lowest on record, and combined reading and math scores fell to their lowest point since 1995.

The College Board, which released the scores Wednesday, said the results reflect the record size and diversity of the pool of test-takers. As more students aim for college and take the exam, it tends to drag down average scores

Meanwhile, other tests taken by more representative groups of high school students have shown reading skills holding steadier. And in the context of the 800-point test, the three-point decline in reading scores to 497 may seem little more than a blip.