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Officials Find Encouragement In Education Gap Data

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- New data show Minnesota schools have a lot of work ahead as they strive to cut the achievement gap between white and minority students in half by 2017, yet officials find encouragement,  too.

They say the data give them hope that the state's persistent achievement gap may be relenting.

Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius says the numbers show not only how far the state has come, but that the goal of reducing disparities is within reach.

Three-quarters of Minnesota school districts are now meeting, or are just a few points shy of meeting state goals for improving the academic performance of students of color, as well as low income students, special education students and English language learners.

Schools with the largest gaps get extra assistance from math, reading and writing experts.

(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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