Good news for the nation: Fourth-grade math and reading test scores are on the rise.
According to a report released last week by the Department of Education, scores went up two points since the last national assessment test was given, in 2005. Since 1992, students have improved most in math.
"It's pretty clear that we must be doing something right," says Kathi King, a math teacher in Oakland, Maine.
This year, Massachusetts received top honors, with the most students performing in the highest achievement category in both subject areas. But not everyone is celebrating. Some education groups say that with the emphasis on reading and math in recent years, scores should have risen by even more points.