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Standardized tests: gains in math and social studies, declines in reading and writing

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The state released new test scores for grade school students today.

   The results brought good news and bad news.

The M-STEP tests third through eighth and eleventh grade students in various subjects. While scores for math and social studies were up – English literacy was down.

   But the improvements weren’t felt by all.  

Brian Gutman is with the advocacy group The Education Trust-Midwest. He says the scores highlight the achievement gap between whites and minorities. And between low income and high income students.

 

“We have a lot of ground to make up across the board. Historically underserved students are disproportionately affected.”

 

For example, in 8th grade math 10 percent of black students tested proficient compared to 40 percent of white students.