What does this measure?

The percent of students of various racial and ethnic groups who scored at level 3 or above—meeting or exceeding the state standard—on the state Grade 4 English exam. The test is scored by placing a student’s performance in one of four levels.

Why is this important?

Early reading skills are critical to a successful school experience, and provide the basis for communication development.

How is the Greater Capital Region performing?

Fewer than half of black and Hispanic students passed the test in 2007, compared to about three-quarters of white students and more than 80% of Asian students. There were two exceptions: 75% of black students in Saratoga County passed and 61% of Asian students in Schenectady County passed. Some counties have made gains, including an increase for black students in Schenectady County from 30% in 2002 to 46% in 2007.

Notes about the data

The tests were revised for the 2006 administration as the federal No Child Left Behind requirement to test all children in 3rd through 8th grades took effect. Therefore, results prior to 2006 are not comparable to 2006 and later. Results for racial groups could not be tallied for the region as a whole because the data were incomplete. Test results for small racial groups in some counties were not disclosed.