National Test Shows Minn. Kids Still Above Average

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- New scores on a national test of math and reading skills show Minnesota students remain above average, but several other states are pulling ahead.

The scores released Tuesday come from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, often called "The Nation's Report Card." It tests academic achievement of the nation's fourth and eighth graders.

The Minnesota Department of Education says the state's students once again beat the national average, although the scores were about flat compared to the 2009 test.

However, the gap between Minnesota students and the nation's best grew. For example, the number of states with significantly higher scores than Minnesota increased in three of the four categories.

Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius says the results should reinforce the sense of urgency for improving education in the state.

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