Florida high school seniors who can't earn a passing score on the 10th grade (exit level) Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test have the option of taking the ACT or SAT as an alternative toward their standard diploma.

The state sets a "concordant" score that's to be roughly equivalent to the FCAT high level 2 (which, by the way, is considered below grade level). And many struggling students find the national standardized tests easier.

After comparing the exams, the state agreed — at least when it comes to reading. Starting with next year's seniors, the new SAT and ACT passing replacement scores will rise slightly. The SAT passing math score, meanwhile, will decrease while the ACT math score will not change. Here's a look at the new rates:

• Reading — FCAT 1926 (unchanged) / SAT 420 (+10) / ACT 18 (+3)
• Math — FCAT 1889 (unchanged) / SAT 340 (-30) / ACT 15 (unchanged)

All the passing scores, including the FCAT, are still considered pretty low. But at least now the field is more even, at least according to the Florida Department of Ed.