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Zais: SC school test scores should be wake-up call

COLUMBIA — South Carolina schools chief Mick Zais says the results of a national science test show students’ performance must improve if they hope to compete for science and technology careers.

Scores released Tuesday from the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress show that 33 percent of South Carolina’s fourth-graders and 23 percent of eighth graders were proficient in science. Just 1 percent in both grades received advanced scores.

The fourth-grade scores mirrored the national average, while eighth graders fell slightly below the national average.

The NAEP tests are the only ones taken nationwide, allowing for state-by-state comparisons.

The science test was updated in 2009 and couldn’t be compared with previous years.

Courtesy of The Associated Press.