CONCORD — The results of standardized science tests given to the state's public school students reveal some improvement among middle and high school students, but more than 60 percent of students tested are still under-achieving in science.

The New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) test given to students in grades four, eight and 11 last May reveals that only 39 percent of the students in the state could muster a score considered proficient or better.

“It is something that we will be looking at,” said Keith Burke, state administrator of the NECAP for the Department of Education. “I know (Commissioner Virginia Barry) is very interested in science results.”

The test sorts results into four levels, proficient with distinction, proficient, partially proficient and substantially below proficient.

The statewide scores were buoyed by a strong performance among fourth-graders. Fifty-three percent of students in grade four were rated proficient.

But among high school juniors taking the test, the number reaching the proficient level was only 33 percent; 32 percent of eighth-graders reached proficient or higher.

Secondary school results have improved over the past two years, with a nine-point increase for high school juniors, and a four-point increase for eighth-grade students.

State education officials say local school boards need to take notice.

“It's more for local consumption, how well they're delivering their science curriculum and how well the students are going in that regard,” Burke said.

Science scores continue to lag behind scores in other subjects.

The most recent results in reading show 79 percent of state students who took the test managed to score proficient or higher. In mathematics, 67 percent of students reached at least the proficient level, while 54 percent reached it in writing.

Tests in those subject areas are given in October; the next round of testing runs from Oct. 1-23.

Tests in science and writing are given in fourth, eighth and 11th grades. Math and science tests are given to all students in grades three through eight, as well as to high school juniors.

The NECAP test was devised as a regional response to some of the requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind Act, which increased Washington's role in public education. The law uses the potential loss of federal funding to compel states to conform to its mandates.

New Hampshire has applied for a waiver of some of the law's requirements.

The states of Rhode Island, Vermont and Maine also administer the NECAP battery.

- - - - - - - -

Bill Smith may be reached at wsmith@unionleader.com.