Latino middle schoolers saw gains in their national science scores. (Courtesy: Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District).

Good news on the education front - the average science scores for Latino eighth graders around the country rose five points in just two years, helping to narrow the “achievement gap” between Hispanic and white students.

“The five-point gain from 2009 to 2011 for Hispanic students was larger than the one-point gain for white students, narrowing the score gap from 30 points to 27 points,” according to the 2011 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which measures the knowledge and skills students should have in their particular grade.

It is important to note that all groups scored below the “proficiency” level of what American middle schoolers should know in the area of science. To be considered “proficient,” a student must score a 170 out of the 300-point score.

Nationally, less than one-third of students obtained a 170. Hispanic students’ median score was 137, black students’ median score was 129, and white students scored at 163.

The fact that Latino student scores increased by five points in two years is welcome news in narrowing the gap between student groups. Hispanic students have also narrowed the gap in mathematics as well as reading.

SANDRA LILLEY, NBC LATINO STAFF

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