Final answer:
The trend of students with "A" averages having lower SAT scores in comparison to past decades suggests grade inflation, where the criteria for higher grades have become less stringent. This makes it difficult to assess academic excellence through grades alone, and the reliability of SAT scores as an admissions criterion is also being reevaluated.
Step-by-step explanation:
The information that students with an "A" grade point average tend to have lower SAT scores than students with the same average decades ago indicates that the value of an "A" average may have declined over time. This phenomenon is known as grade inflation, which describes a trend where the letter grades assigned for academic work reflect lower levels of achievement compared to the past. For example, what was once a "C" performance might be labeled a "B" or an "A" today.
This suggests that the earning of high grades has become easier, or the criteria for awarding them has been lowered. Consequently, it can be harder for employers and graduate schools to discern truly exceptional students from the average. Factors contributing to grade inflation include the cultural shift towards rewarding effort rather than the quality of work, pressure on instructors to award higher grades to receive favorable evaluations, and the competitive advantage high grades provide students in admissions and job markets despite the potential decline in academic standards.
However, it's important to note that the reliance on SAT scores for college admissions is also changing. Some argue that these tests may be biased and don't necessarily predict college success accurately. Additionally, universities are beginning to question the emphasis on SAT scores in the admissions process.