MINNEAPOLIS — Statewide scores released Friday show less than half of Minnesota students tested are proficient in science, about the same as last year’s level.

The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment test shows 48.4 percent of fifth-graders, eighth-graders and high school students who took the science exams met or exceeded state standards for the subject. Last year, that number was 48.8 percent.

Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius says the results show that teaching science must be approached with a new sense of urgency. Cassellius says to keep research and technology jobs in Minnesota, the state needs a workforce that’s competent in science, math and engineering.

Passing the student science test isn’t a requirement for graduation.