More students in Texas have taken the SAT but their average scores for reading, math and writing are down.
The Texas Education Agency on Monday provided Scholastic Aptitude Test figures from the College Board. The report found 2012 scores fell overall for public school students in Texas and nationally compared to a year ago.
TEA says 156,486 public school students or 58 percent of the 2012 class took the college admissions exam. That's a 5.7 percent increase from 2011.
The statewide number of Hispanics taking the SAT jumped 65 percent since the class of 2008. The number of African-American test-takers rose 29 percent. The number of white students taking the SAT increased 9 percent.
Education Commissioner Michael Williams says increased minority participation is important because of the state's changing demographics.
