In 2008, North Carolina’s average SAT score was 1007, a three point increase from 2007 to 2008 and a one point decrease from 2006 to 2008. If you include the writing test – and, surprise, DPI’s press release does not – North Carolina had a three point increase from 2007 to 2008 (1486 to 1489) and a four point decrease from 2006 to 2008 (1493 to 1498).

North Carolina’s average SAT score is still significantly below the national average. In 2008, North Carolina was 10 points lower (22 points lower when you include writing) than the national average score. Of course, differences in participation rates make state to state and state to nation comparisons problematic.

Speaking of participation rates, North Carolina’s revised participation rate was 63 percent. Apparently, the College Board recalculated participation rates for 2008. Our previous rate was 71 percent. In the past, the state has blamed low SAT scores on high participation rates, but that argument may no longer be viable.

Bottom line: Our college-bound students did better on the SAT test than last year, but they still earned an average score that was lower than 2006 scores. Moreover, when writing is factored into the score, North Carolina is far below the national average.