Most Pennsylvania students meet reading, math goals
Eight in 10 Pennsylvania schools are reaching education benchmarks set by the federal “No Child Left Behind” goals.
Pennsylvania’s schools are on track, according to PSSA test results released Tuesday. Nearly three in four students met grade-level goals for reading and math in last year’s PSSA tests.
New results also show eight in 10 Pennsylvania schools met federal “No Child Left Behind” benchmarks last year.
Governor Ed Rendell says the number of students meeting grade requirements has increased by 290,000 during his administration.
He credits increased state spending on education – and urges the two men campaigning for his job, Republican Tom Corbett and Democrat Dan Onorato, to continue the trend after he leaves office.
“Education is worth fighting for. Education is worth taking some hits for. Education might even be worth raising some taxes for,” says the governor. “It’s our children’s future – but more importantly it’s our future that’s at stake.”
Acting Education Secretary Thomas Gluck says the number of students below grade level has been cut in half over eight years.
“Approximately 210,000 fewer students (are) below basic in math, and about 127,000 fewer students remain below basic in reading,” Gluck says.
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