National SAT Scores Drop 7 points

The national average scores for the SAT college entrance exam dropped 7 points for the school class of 2006. The test scores, administered under a brand new version of the test, saw the biggest drop in test scores in 31 years. Not only that, but the number of test-takers was also down by about 9,600 students to 1.47 million.

The fair majority of those who dropped out of the tests were students who identified themselves as belonging to low-income families. 41,000 fewer students retook the test than last year.

This year, girls narrowed the gap in math and reading scores from 42 to 26 points, mainly because they outperformed boys on the new writing sections multiple choice questions and essay. (USAToday.com)