Montana and South Dakota

Today, voters in both Montana and South Dakota head to the polls to cast their votes in the last two remaining primary states. During this extended primary season I've enjoyed sharing the state educational facts with you as each state went to the polls. Now as we get ready to enter the next phase of the campaign, I look forward to hearing more about plans for education reform.

Montana Facts:
Student Performance:                
According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (2007):

% 4th graders proficient in reading: 39
% 4th graders proficient in math: 44

% 8th graders proficient in reading: 39
% 8th graders proficient in math: 37

According to the state’s own assessments (2007):
% 4th graders proficient in reading: 80   
% 4th graders proficient in math: 68   

% 8th graders proficient in reading: 79   
% 8th graders proficient in math: 60   
(Sources: National Center for Education Statistics; U.S. Dept. of Education)

High School and Beyond:

% 9th graders who graduate from high school on time: 76
% high school graduates who go right on to college: 58
% college freshmen who earn a diploma within six years: 45
(Sources: Education Week; The NCHEMS Information Center)

South Dakota Facts:
Student Performance:

According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (2007):
% 4th graders proficient in reading: 34
% 4th graders proficient in math: 41

% 8th graders proficient in reading: 35
% 8th graders proficient in math: 36

According to the state’s own assessments (2007):
% 4th graders proficient in reading: 88   
% 4th graders proficient in math: 78   

% 8th graders proficient in reading: 78   
% 8th graders proficient in math: 72   
(Sources: National Center for Education Statistics; U.S. Dept. of Education)

High School and Beyond:

% 9th graders who graduate from high school on time: 76
% high school graduates who go right on to college: 69
% college freshmen who earn a diploma within six years: 48
(Sources: Education Week; The NCHEMS Information Center)