A r c h i v e d I n f o r m a t i o n

   FOR EMBARGOED RELEASE                   Contact:  Kathryn Kahler    August 25, 1994                                   (202) 401-3026

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY OF EDUCATION RICHARD W. RILEY

Regarding the Release of SAT Scores by The College Board

Today's SAT results are another strong indication that education reform is beginning to show results -- scores are up even though more students are taking the SAT; more students are taking challenging courses; and achievement gaps between males and females and between racial groups are narrowing.

The results also show a significant increase in the number of students enrolled in advanced placement courses, which indicates that more students are interested in a challenging curriculum and high academic standards. Clearly, high standards and hard work produce results. That is the focus of our Goals 2000: Educate America Act, which encourages states and local school districts to set high academic standards and to focus their efforts on improving education for all students.