AP and staff reports

The percentage of eighth-graders who passed Minnesota’s basic reading exam on their first try dropped below 80 percent in 2001 while the rate of success on the math exam inched up, the state education department reported Wednesday.

Wednesday, April 18, 2001

The percentage of eighth-graders who passed Minnesota’s basic reading exam on their first try dropped below 80 percent in 2001 while the rate of success on the math exam inched up, the state education department reported Wednesday. In Albert Lea, both scores fell.

Of the more than 64,000 public and charter school students who took both tests, 79 percent passed the reading test and 72 percent passed the math exam – compared with 2000’s rates of 80 percent and 71 percent, respectively.

Locally, two districts showed improvements over last year’s test scores. Alden-Conger and New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva school districts both jumped a few points to 84/82 percent and 92/94 percent, respectively.

Albert Lea schools fell to 72 percent in reading and 60 percent in math, dropping below the state average in both tests.

Scores from the county’s only private school with an eighth grade, Hollandale Christian School, were not available.

For private school students, for whom the tests are not a graduation requirement, 91 percent met the grade on the reading test and 84 percent in math.

The tests are designed to ensure all high school graduates have a minimum competency.