A new achievement test shows Colorado fourth and eighth–graders have made little improvement in reading and mathematics during the past two years, but the nation's report card released Wednesday ranks Colorado at–or–above the national average in both subjects.

The National Assessment of Educational Progress compiled the report card from test results, measuring how students in all states perform on core subjects. The results will be used to measure whether the country's emphasis on math and reading is working.

Colorado Education Department officials say about 10,000
Colorado students took the test for 2005. Students were tested on measurement, geometry, data analysis and probability and algebra on the math test.

The reading test measured whether students could form a general understanding, develop an interpretation, make connections to the text and examine content and structure.

The average reading score for Colorado fourth–graders was 224, the same as when the last test was given in 2003. The result was higher than the national average, though. About 37 percent of fourth–graders scored proficient.

The average score in math for Colorado fourth–graders was 239, higher than the score of 235 in 2003. It was about the same as the national average. About 39 percent of the students were proficient in math.

The average reading score for Colorado eighth–graders was 265, about the same as in 2003 but higher than the national average. About 32 percent of the students were proficient.

Colorado eighth–graders scored an average of 281 in math, about the same as 2003, but higher than the national average. About 32 percent of the students were proficient.