LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Scores on standardized tests taken by Arkansas students show some improvement in math but a decline in biology.
The Arkansas Education Department said Tuesday that 76 percent takers of the algebra I end-of-course exam scored proficient in April, up from 73 percent in January. In geometry, there was a drop in proficiency with 76 percent scoring proficient in January and 69 percent in April.
In biology, 40 percent scored proficient in January, compared to 36 percent in April.
More than 33,000 students took the algebra I exam, with 93 percent passing. Students can pass the test without attaining the higher mark of proficient.
The end-of-course algebra I and geometry tests are used to identify schools in need of improvement under the No Child Left Behind program.
©2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
