New Jersey scores down a bit on state tests

TRENTON (AP) — New Jersey education officials say student passage rates dropped slightly on standardized tests last year.

The 2013-14 school year was the last time this set of exams was to be used.

The drop-offs were minor — less than 1 percentage point on each exam.

Like in 2012-13, about two-thirds of the elementary and middle-school students who took the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge language arts exam rated as "proficient" or better. Nearly three-fourths of them passed the math section.

The passage rate for both areas on the High School Proficiency Assessment was over 85 percent.

Both exams are being replaced this year by the Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers assessment.

The results are also being used to evaluate teachers' effectiveness.

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