Montana science scores among top in nation

Montana fourth- and eighth-graders continue to score higher than the national average in science, a new national report card released Wednesday shows.

In fact, results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, a federal test given periodically in a range of topics, show state scores in both grades just one point below the national leaders.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Linda McCulloch said the results "speak well for the quality of science education provided by Montana’s teachers," but stressed the state can’t afford to rest on its laurels.

By SARAH COOKE
Associated Press

Full Story: http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2006/05/24/news/state/28-science-scores.txt

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Wyoming 8th-graders gain in science

Wyoming students’ scores beat average; some gaps remain

Wyoming’s fourth-graders showed little if any improvement on a national science test last year, but the state’s eighth-graders did improve. Both grades continued to score well above the nationwide average.

The National Assessment of Education Progress science test was previously given in 2000.

From 2000 to 2005, the average score of Wyoming fourth-graders edged upward from 156 to 157 but slipped in rank from seventh to 12th. The nationwide average this year was 149.

Full Story: http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2006/05/25/news/wyoming/35-science.txt