The latest statewide tests of public school students in Minnesota show average scores in reading remained constant or increased slightly for all grade levels and ethnic groups, but math scores dropped slightly. State Education Commissioner, Brenda Cassellius speculates some students right at the threshold of proficiency in math might have made the cut last year, but not this time.

Casselius says data in September will give a better indication why math scores dropped. The latest test results show the “achievement gap” persists between students of color and their white counterparts.