Ga. high school students improve science scores

ATLANTA - Georgia high school students, particularly blacks, are scoring better in science than at any time in the state's history.

New data released by the state this week from the Georgia High School Graduation Test shows that the percentage of rising seniors passing the science exam increased from 88 percent to 90 percent this year. It's the first time science scores have ever hit that mark.

The data show that the percentage of black students passing the science test has increased from 41 percent in 2003 to 79 percent this year. That difference equals nearly 20,000 students.

Students must pass the all four parts of the exam plus a writing test to graduate from high school in Georgia. Students can take the test as many times as necessary starting in the spring of their junior year.