Ark. students show gains in geometry, algebra

LITTLE ROCK (AP) - Arkansas students made gains this year in geometry and algebra while high school juniors literacy scores remained flat. Thats according to test scores released today by the state Education Department. The state released scores from its end-of-course benchmark tests for its algebra I and geometry students and from the 11th grade literacy examination. The majority of students take the algebra and geometry exams in April, but some took the exam in January because of block scheduling. Last month, state officials announced that benchmark exam scores generally improved over the past year and said the figures showed a narrowing of the achievement gap between white students and minorities for the second year in a row. Of the 35,602 students taking the algebra I exam in April, 66 percent scored proficient and above, compared with 61 percent in 2007. Of the 872 students who took the exam in January, 53 percent scored proficient and above, a drop from the 55 percent who scored at that level in 2007. Of the 33,875 students who took the geometry exam in April, 60 percent scored proficient and above, compared with 59 percent in 2007. Of the 986 who took the exam in January, 68 percent scored proficient and above, compared with 61 percent in 2007. Of the 31,075 students who took the 11th grade literacy exam, the percentage of those who scored proficient and above remained flat compared with last year at 51 percent. (© The Associated Press, All rights reserved.)