Missouri students outperform students in 38 other states according to a recent test. Stephanie Hockridge has the story.
The National Assessment of Educational Progress, or the NAEP test, shows that Missouri students in grades 4 and 8 score slightly above national average in reading and math.
In the past, participation in the NAEP has been voluntary for states.
But now, the federal government requires all states to administer this test as a baseline for measuring progress for the coming years.
Commissioner of Education D. Kent King is pleased with the results.
"I AM PLEASED THAT THEY HAVE CONTINUED TO SHOW IMPROVEMENT. WE HAVE A HIGHER PERCENTAGE PROFICIENT THAN WE HAD IN THE PAST, SO I'M PLEASED WITH THAT, OBVIOUSLY WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE RAPID GROWTH."
King says that he would like to see scores climb even higher, but considering the rigorous test, any positive movement is good.
From the state Capitol, I'm Stephanie Hockridge.