High school seniors still have low reading scores

MIAMI (AP) — The results of a national assessment show high school seniors are making some improvements in math but remain below 1992 achievement levels in reading.

Scores from the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress, referred to as the Nation's Report Card, were released today. The exam tested 12th-grade students from 1,670 school districts.

Students scored an average of 288 out of 500 points in reading comprehension, two points higher than in 2005, but still below the 1992 average of 292.

Reading scores across grade levels have struggled to improve over the last two decades.

In math, the average score rose from 150 to 153 between 2005 and 2009. The test was significantly changed in 2005, so a comparison with previous years was not possible.