Math and reading scores up in Minn., but racial gap persists

New test results show high school students in Minnesota continue to improve their scores in math and reading.

However, the data also shows a significant gap between how well white students perform, compared to students of color.

The scores come from this spring's MCA-standardized tests. 10th graders are tested in reading; 11th graders are tested in math.

Three-quarters of all students met state standards in reading, but only about half are proficient in math. Both numbers represent increases over previous years, but Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius said the math results are still unacceptable.

"We've had the same standards in place since 2003; teachers have adjusted to that, students have adjusted to that," Cassellius said. "And yet, we're still leaving 50 percent of kids behind, which suggests we really need to look carefully at how we're approaching math."

Fifty-six percent of white high schoolers were proficient in math, but only 17 percent of black students are.