Results of the IEA international comparisons present a somewhat more optimistic picture than the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) of the reading levels of U.S. students.

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First Florida started grading its schools from A to F, based on the proficiency and progress of pupils in annual reading, writing, maths and science tests.

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The Seattle district requires teachers to give the math and reading Measures of Academic Progress exam, or MAP, to students in first through ninth grade two or three times a year.

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He also has said it relies too heavily on poorly designed tests to gauge progress in reading and math at the expense of a well-rounded education.

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Public high school graduation rates peaked around 1970, and data show that reading scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) fell slightly between 1992 and 2008.

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The bill received an unopposed first reading but is unlikely to make further progress due to lack of parliamentary time.

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As he was still speaking when time ran out for the debate the bill failed to gain a second reading, meaning it stands little chance of making further progress.

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But of course he can't really be sure of that, not until his son has taken tests and shown some real progress in reading.

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The global rankings are the result of two studies - the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS).

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