Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Report: Nevada high school graduates stronger in English and reading than math

CARSON CITY — A national report shows 2017 Nevada high school graduating seniors strong in reading and writing but getting lower marks in math.

The College Board released a report today showing that 84 percent who took the SAT test were ready for college in the subjects of reading and writing. But only 60 percent of the students who took the test could gain a C or better in math during their freshman year.

There were 6,285 seniors who took the examination, or 26 percent of the graduating class.

The national average showed 75 percent of the graduating seniors met both benchmarks showing they are ready for college.

The state Department of Education said students for the second straight year have improved their performance on Advanced Placement examinations.

Steve Canavero, state superintendent of public instruction, said there has been a 10.8 percent increase in the number of students ready for college.

The College Board said 83 percent of female students in Nevada achieved the benchmark in reading and writing. But the score in math dropped to 54 percent.

Of male students who took the SAT, 85 percent showed they met the reading and writing benchmark for college readiness. The math score was 68 percent.

The testing was conducted in May.