Only Fourth-Graders Show a Gain in Achievement-Level Results

• The increase in the average score at grade 4 in 2005 from previous assessment years corresponded with an increase in the percentage of students performing at or above the Basic level, which indicates at least partial mastery of the fundamental skills and knowledge in science.   
• Similar to the average score results at grade 8, achievement level results showed no significant changes in the percentage of students performing at or above the Proficient or Basic levels compared with either previous assessment year. 
• Achievement-level results mirrored the average score results at grade 12, with a smaller percentage of students performing either at or above Proficient or Basic in 2005 than in 1996.