ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH ACHIEVEMENT
IMPROVE IN 2004, SHOW MAJOR GAINS SINCE HIGHER
STANDARDS AND TESTS BEGAN IN 1999

Statewide achievement in middle school math improved significantly this past year (up 6.7 percentage points). Achievement in elementary school math increased by one percent, but – equally significant – students held onto the major gains of 2003, according to 4^th and 8^th grade test results issued today.

            In elementary school math, over 79 percent of students achieved all the standards (Levels 3 and 4), up one percent from 2003 and 11.5 percent from 2002. 

            In middle school math, 57.7 percent of students met all the standards, up from 51 percent the previous year. This is the third year for significant gains. The percentage reaching all the standards is up almost 20 percent from 1999.

            The percentage of students showing serious academic difficulties (Level 1) also declined substantially in both elementary and middle school math. This is especially important because students in Level 1 show very little understanding of math. Reaching Level 2 indicates they are better prepared for continued learning.

            “Closing the achievement gap is the Regents’ highest priority,” Regents Chancellor Robert M. Bennett said. “The important point here is that student achievement keeps climbing year after year. The children’s successes should make us more determined than ever to ensure they all get a good education. We know we still have much to do, but it can be done.”

            “The bottom line is this: Student achievement is improving. Fewer students have serious academic problems. The reforms New York has put into effect are working,” State Education Commissioner Richard Mills said. “Higher standards, with support to achieve them and tests to measure them, have helped many children immensely. The progress so far should give us reason to hope and press on.”