NYC Sees Gains In SAT Scores As Numbers Decline Nationwide

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- SAT scores nationwide have declined, but that's not the case in New York City.

The average SAT math score for city seniors is up three points and the average critical reading score increased four points. The average writing score also increased three points.

The gains were made in every section across all ethnic groups, 1010 WINS' Glenn Schuck reported.

The number of students taking and passing Advanced Placement exams has also increased.

Deputy Schools Chancellor Phil Weinberg said it's all part of a bigger plan to prepare students for college.

"We're going to make sure that all of our students have access to even more rigorous curricula over time," Weinberg said. "College is an important part of their secondary choices."

Weinberg also commended teachers for their efforts.

"Our teachers have really been working very hard to deliver instruction to help our students think in ways that are going to be great for them as they move forward in their lives to help them especially be achieving in a way that will make sure that they're ready to be in college," Weinberg said.

Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña said they're setting the bar higher, and it's already paying off big dividends, Schuck reported.

"I believe that all our students should graduate high school with the skills, coursework, and college planning they need to thrive in college, and we're investing in that work like never before," Fariña said in a statement.  "I'm very encouraged to see more New York City students taking these exams and meeting the high bar that they set. I look forward to building on these gains as we work to make college access and success a reality for all our students."