Florida's SAT scores fell again in 2024, continuing a downward trend that experts worry stems from the ongoing impact of COVID-19 pandemic on students.
According to data released from the College Board, the state's average SAT score dropped from 966 to 948 out of a perfect 1600, revealing an 18-point decline from 2023.
A score of 948 out of 1600 is 70 points lower than the average in 2017. The dip mirrors the national trend, though Florida remains below the national average by 76 points.
A concern the College Board attributed to the drop was the pandemic shutting down schools, forcing students online.
The COVID slide has been felt across the United States, and Florida did more than many states to get students back to in-person classes.
According to the College Board, Florida's 2024 high school graduates scored an average of 493 on the reading/verbal section of the SAT. That's a 10-point drop from 2023.
Florida students have found most of their struggles in math since the pandemic, according to test scores.
Florida's math score dropped eight points from 463 to 455, among the lowest for the ten states that test more than 90% of their graduating seniors.
"College-ready" students are defined by the College Board as a 75% likelihood of receiving a C or higher in college-related courses.
Florida SAT takers who were "college-ready" in reading and writing dropped five points compared to 2023, which according to data is just 53%.
Data revealed 26% of Florida SAT takers are "college-ready" in math, which is fifth among the ten states that test 90% or more of their graduating seniors.
Of the 229,784 Florida students who participated in the SAT, 108,097 had their scores sent to public and private institutions across the state.
In 2023, about 205,000 students participated in the SAT which is 5% less students than this year. Professionals believe the increase in student participation may be a partial reason scores are tending downward.
The downward trend is comparable to the decline seen nationwide, which the board says is blamed largely on learning loss from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read the 2024 Florida College Board SAT Annual Report below:
If you are unable to view the report above, click here .
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