More Indiana high school seniors than ever take SAT

INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana once again posted significant gains in the number of students taking Advanced Placement (AP), SAT and PSAT exams, according to a report released this week by The College Board.

Each year, The College Board releases data evaluating the college readiness of students in Indiana and across the United States.

"Our continued gains in the number of students taking AP, SAT and PSAT exams are commendable, and highlight our concerted efforts to focus intensely on college-readiness," Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett said.

"However, it's clear we have more work to do to raise achievement with these important exams. Our goal is to have 25 percent of all students take and pass at least one AP or International Baccalaureate exam -- or receive college credit in high school."

Student performance on the SAT and PSAT shows areas for improvement. SAT scores in Math decreased two points and Writing decreased one point, while Critical Reading remained flat. Tenth graders' PSAT scores dipped slightly in Writing.

The number of students earning scores of 3, 4 or 5 on AP exams (the score needed to gain college credit at a state college or university) increased by 16.8 percent, which is significantly higher than the national average of 7.6 percent. The number of students who took an AP exam increased by 9.7 percent.

The diversity of Indiana AP exam takers also continues to grow. The percentage of black students participating is up 13.5 percent and the number of Hispanic test-takers is up 20.9 percent.

"We should provide all students access to excellent educational opportunities," Bennett said.

"All students deserve great teachers and school leaders, and I believe our continued focus on high quality classroom instruction and leadership will close the gap between participation and performance," Bennett added. "We are committed to ensuring every student is ready for postsecondary work without remediation."