African-American students have made slight gains in scores on the SAT college entrance exams, according to a new report by The College Board. However, average scores in reading, math and writing have remained stagnant for the past three years. 
Black students on average scored 431 in reading, 429 in math and 418 in writing, which is slightly higher compared to the past two years. African-American, American Indian and Hispanic students were 30 percent of all SAT takers in 2013, which is up from 27 percent five years ago. 
Also in 2013, 15.6 percent of African-American SAT takers met or exceeded the SAT Benchmark, up from 14.8 percent in 2012. The SAT Benchmark is a measure used by states to track and evaluate college and career readiness for students over time. 

Although students of color have made improvements, the College Board writes that more still needs to be done to help students prepare for the real world. "To have any hope of achieving breakthrough increases in the number of our nation’s students who are prepared for college and careers, we must address the challenges these students face," the report states. 

To combat these challenges, The College Board is working to provide more access to rigorous AP courses for students, expanding access to the SAT exam through fee waivers and SAT school day, and sending customized college informational packets to high-achieving low-income students.
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