The state scores on the 2005 WASL went up in nearly every subject area, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson announced today.

Students made the biggest gains in reading — at all three grade levels tested — while scores went down in only eighth-grade science and 10th-grade reading.

In the fourth grade, 79.2 percent of students met the standard in reading, 60.6 percent in math and 57.5 percent in writing.

Among seventh-graders, 68.7 percent met the standard in reading, 50.5 percent in math and 60.9 percent in writing.

Seventy-two percent of 10th graders passed the reading portion, 47.1 percent passed math and 64.7 percent passed writing. This year's sophomores must pass all three to earn their diplomas.

Statewide, 45 percent of fourth-graders met the standard in all three subjects; 40.9 percent of seventh-graders and 42 percent of 10th graders met the standards.

In Seattle, 44.2 percent of fourth-graders, 34.4 percent of seventh-graders and 33.2 percent of 10th graders met the standard in all three subjects.

The WASL, given each year to students in selected grades, covers reading, writing and math . It also is the basis for determining which schools are making enough progress as defined by the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

For full score report, visit the state superintendent's Web site at http://reportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us/