The New York State Education Department has released test results for the English and math test that third- through eighth-graders took this past school year.

The Education Department raised the bar for English (what they call "English Language Arts") and mathematics proficiency tests for those students for the 2009-10 school year.

Across Grades 3-8 statewide, the majority of students, 53% in English and 61% in math, met or exceeded the new proficiency standards this year, officials said. By contrast, in 2009, 77% of students met or exceeded standards in English and 86% of students did so in math.

For links breaking down the results in a variety of ways, visit http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/irts/pressRelease/20100728/

For the complete press release, visit http://www.oms.nysed.gov/press/Grade3-8_Results07282010.html