State SAT scores top U.S. average

SAT scores in Washington state dropped this year along with those nationwide on the new version of the college-entrance exam. Washington students, however, again scored higher than the national average.

Washington public-school students scored an average of 524 on the SAT critical-reading test, compared with the national average of 500. In math, Washington's public-school score was 530, compared with 514 nationally; and on the new writing test, it was 508 compared with 492 among public-school students nationally.

When private schools are included, Washington's average scores were 527 in reading, 532 in math and 511 in writing. That compares with national averages of 503 for reading, 518 for math and 497 for writing.

Washington's average scores declined five points in reading and two points in math, identical to the national results. Washington education officials echoed those who cautioned that changes in the SAT this year may have contributed to the lower scores.

In all, 34,150 Washington students took the SAT this year. Of those, 90 percent (29,082) attended public schools. Washington is one of 23 states where more than half of graduating seniors take the SAT.