U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings today released the following statement in response to the College Board's announcement of the 2005 SAT scores:

"While I'm encouraged that the SAT results show an improvement in math scores, these results provide further evidence that we as a nation must do more to ensure that all students graduate from high school ready for college and the workplace.

"The data shows that we still have achievement gaps to close and reading skills to improve. Scores for high school students continue to lag behind those for students in earlier grades. Far too few high schools offer rigorous, college-ready coursework. This is why President Bush has made high school reform a high priority.

"The improvement in SAT math scores echoes other recent findings. The Nation's Report Card reported record-high math scores for 9-year-old and 13-year-old students, including African-American and Hispanic students. Meanwhile, over the past three years, 23 out of 24 states have reported improvements in math achievement. Most report a narrowing of the achievement gap as well.

"The lesson is that the No Child Left Behind Act is working in the earlier grades, where its impact is the greatest. High expectations plus high standards equal higher achievement. It's time to bring those principles to our nation's high schools.

"The Class of 2005, the largest and most diverse group of SAT test-takers in history, deserves credit for its gains. Now we must ensure that a culture of accountability takes hold in all schools."

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