SAT scores have been released; Georgia's score fell 3 points but moved up from 50th to 46th in the rankings.

Here is Gov. Perdue's policy advisor when scores were announced in 2005 (quoted from AJC via Lex/Nex):

The good news is that Georgia's SAT scores continue to improve across the board under Gov. Sonny Perdue's leadership. Our average score went up another six points this year, with three-point gains on both the math and verbal tests. This improvement exceeded the national average.

The governor's philosophy has always been that if we do the right things to raise scores, then the ranking will take care of itself. This year's scores prove that his strategy of raising awareness of the importance of the test while providing the resources for adequate test preparation has us on the right track. Granted, our scores aren't where the governor wants them to be nor where the public expects them to be. But this year's improvement serves as positive reinforcement that the measures that we have taken are paying off.

Now here's Gov. Perdue commenting on the 2006 scores:

“I’m extremely proud of our progress this year, but rest assured, we will not stop working until Georgia is at the top of the list in SAT scores,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “Georgia’s improving ranking paints a more accurate picture to the global business community of the strength and quality of Georgia’s students. It demonstrates that our students are working harder, achieving more and becoming better prepared for their futures.”

Notice this year's spin is all about the ranking with no mention of the scores. Last year, when scores were up but the ranking was not, the spin was all about the scores. To be fair, the SAT has changed this year so that may sway the scores a bit.