the article doesn't mention 'recentering' of scores, but an increase of test-takers from historical SAT-taking states. Locall, in VA, historically an SAT state, more students are taking the ACT to offset any shortcomings on the SAT.
What grabbed my attention in the article, tho, was how many students were below their benchmark for anticipated success in college. It seems today there are too many colleges and universities that hand out degrees that are basically worthless, while students struggle and parents pay out big bucks simply because of the need for a college degree ... any college, doesn't matter what they offer or the actual ability of the students. They seem to be paper mills, and those 'college degrees' are less meaningful educationally than a high school diploma from an earlier era.
I don't understand how the article about missing benchmarks, has anything to do with low requirements for college degrees.??? Maybe I missed something but I don't think so. Could you please explain what makes you think that?