A key factor in the decline of Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores (a factor that has been overlooked) is the concurrent decline in the availability of textbooks. The simultaneous decline of both SAT scores and textbooks suggests a strong cause-and-effect relationship. A recent study by the Ohio Education Association indicated that there are frequently not enough textbooks (if any) for an entire class and that many of the textbooks were published in the 1950's. If such findings are representative of the nation, it is clear that students are being shortchanged. Very little money is currently being spent on textbook purchases; however, supplying students with adequate textbooks would seem to be a cost-efficient way to help them improve their test scores. (DC)