Nat’l test: Less than half proficient in science

Results from a national science exam show that fewer than half of the country’s fourth, eighth and 12th grade students are proficient in science.

Scores released today from the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress indicate there are still vast numbers of students with rudimentary levels of science knowledge.

Just 1 percent of high school seniors scored at the advanced level. Twenty-one percent scored as proficient, while another 40 percent were considered below basic.

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

A member of the board that oversees the exam says the low number of advanced-level students means there is a small pipeline of those likely to pursue science and technology careers.