Students in grades 3 through 8 showed improvement on English scores, according to results released by the State Board of Regents Tuesday. Officials say the improvement is most notable in middle school, where grade 6 scores increased by 2.8 percent, grade 7 by 1.4 percent, and grade 8 by 7.7 percent.
Fewer students also are showing serious academic problems in all grades, except third grade, officials said.
Statistics show the number of English Language Learners taking this year's tests more than doubled from 2006. The increase was reportedly caused by new federal rules in which all ELL students who have been in the country for at least one year are now required to take the tests.
Nevertheless, officials say the performance of ELL students dipped only modestly in each grade, a better result than many predicted. The increase in the number of students tested was especially large in elementary school; scores declined overall in grades 3 and 4. The change in rules also affected the overall performance of Hispanic and Asian students.
Results for students with disabilities improved overall, according to the Board. The decline in the percentage of students who showed serious academic problems was especially large.
"The Regents are determined to raise graduation rates," Regents Chancellor Robert Bennett said. "We feel a great sense of urgency. We know that the middle school years leading to ninth grade are absolutely critical in getting students ready for high school work. That's why the improvement in the middle grades this year is so important."
Students receive a specific scale score on the tests which falls into one of four levels:
