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5/25/2006 12:00 AMMegan Boldt, Pioneer Press Minnesota slips in rankings but is still among top in nation The 2005 scores are from the National Assessment of Educational Progress — dubbed the "Nation's Report Card" and considered one of the best ways for states to compare performance. Minnesota's average scores in each grade dropped by one point since the test was last administered in 2000, a change that was not considered significant. But the state's ranking compared with other states was lower: Minnesota had tied for eighth in 2000 based on its fourth-grade scores, but 13 states came in ahead in 2005; for eighth-grade results, Minnesota was tied for second in 2000 and tied for eighth in 2005. "While I'm pleased to see Minnesota's students perform well compared to most students around the nation, we will continue to do more to prepare them to compete with students around the globe," said Gov. Tim Pawlenty. "Increased student achievement in science and math is critical to Minnesota's future success," Pawlenty said. Wisconsin results were only available for 2005, but that state's students also posted some of the top scores in the country. Ten states topped Wisconsin's fourth-grade results, and its eighth-grade scores were tied with Minnesota and twoother states for eighth. The test is required by federal law and is given to a representative sample of students in each state. That means those students who take the test represent the overall student population in the state, based on race, gender and family income level. The tests were administered to about 2,700 fourth-graders and 2,600 eighth-graders in Minnesota in 2005, when about 300,000 fourth-, eighth- and 12th-graders in the nation were tested. State results were only available for fourth and eighth grade. Each student takes only a portion of an entire test. No individual or school scores are reported, and there are no penalties tied to performance. Megan Boldt covers education and can be reached at mboldt@pioneerpress.com or 651-228-5495. For a link to the full report, go to www.twincities.com. http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/14659862.htm | ||||||||||||||||||||
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