Achievement is Up

National View

• New York's Black and Hispanic 4th graders have made gains in reading achievement that exceed those of the nation (NAEP) since 1999 when the Regents raised standards.

• New York leads the nation in students taking AP tests and scoring 3 or better.

• New York ranks 2nd in nation in students taking the SAT, behind Maine which pays for SAT exams; greatest increase in test takers: Hispanic and Black students.

• New York is 1st in the nation in 2008 INTEL Science Talent Search Finalists with 15.

State View

• Achievement in grades 3-8 improved overall this year, with improvement most notable in middle schools (grades 6-8).

• Fewer students are showing serious academic problems.

• More students are graduating, including students with disabilities.

• More students getting Regents Diplomas.