But state education officials pointed out that the average math and verbal scores rose two points over the previous year.

The average verbal score in Connecticut was 509, up two points from 507 last year.

Some reasons for lower verbal scores, like watching too much television, will not be affected by policies to improve schools.

The average verbal score was 428, up 5 points from last year.

The nation's average verbal score remained at 505 this year, while math scores rose to 511, from 508.

Math is up three points to 514, with verbal scores unchanged at 505.

Among women, average verbal scores fell 2 points to 419.

Among men, average verbal scores fell 5 points to 429.

The verbal score was 508, the same as in the previous year.

By 1969, the average verbal score was 462; today, it is 424.