Minnesota students scored above national and international averages in math and science test scores released Tuesday.
Data from the 2011 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study shows Minnesota 8th graders scored near the top in science and math.
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The 8th graders were near the top in science, outscored only by students in Singapore and Taipei. They scored high in math as well, but came in below Massachusetts and several Asian countries.
Minnesota students have improved their scores by a few percentage points since the tests were last given in 2007.
Mike Lindstrom is with the group SCI-MATH Minnesota, which advocates for better math and science education. He credits tougher math and science requirements. "These kinds of requirements have huge ripple effects in schools as the system from kindergarten up has to beef up what they are delivering to kids," he said.
At the same time, Lindstrom says the study points to an achievement gap.
The study shows 8th grade girls score the same in math as boys, but a few points lower in science.
Black and Hispanic students in Minnesota scored 10 to 15 points lower than white students in math and science, but their scores were on par with international averages.
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