The number of Hispanic and African-American students taking the SAT has risen in Texas.

This comes as part of a new report released by the College Board, which found that over the past five years, the state has experienced a 65 percent increase in the number of Hispanic test takers and a 42 percent increase in African-American test takers.

In 2012’s graduating class, 58 percent of public school seniors took the SAT, a 5.7 percent increase in participation from the class of 2011, according to a press release.

“The longevity of our state’s economic success will be built on an educated workforce that can compete in the global marketplace,” said Governor Rick Perry. “I’m proud to see that the number of Texas students aiming for a brighter future is skyrocketing, and I remain committed to improving quality, efficiency, and access to higher education.

Bill Hammond, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Business weighed in as well, saying “These results buttress the argument for a strong public school accountability system. If Texas stays the course with the current system, we will see these numbers rise in the coming years.

“In the early grades, real accountability works. We’re finally bringing that kind of real accountability to the high school level, so we think that will mean increased academic performance,” Hammond continued.

More information is available at www.collegeboard.org.

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