Schools post gains in English and math on state tests

Nearly all school districts in the San Gabriel Valley made gains in English and math scores on state tests, according to data released Tuesday by the California Department of Education.

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Valley students in grades two through 11 posted scores slightly above the state average in the 2009 Standardized Testing and Reporting Program.

Just under 51 percent of students across 14 school districts were at least proficient in English-language arts, up from about 46 percent last year. About 48 percent of Valley students were proficient in math, an increase from 45.5 percent last year.

Statewide, 50 percent scored proficient or advanced in English-language arts, an increase from 46 percent last year.

In math, 46 percent of students scored at the proficient or advanced level, up from 43 percent in 2008.

"I am pleased and encouraged to see that for the seventh year in a row, California public school students continue to improve," said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell in a written statement.

Walnut Valley Unified had the highest scores in the region. Just under 77 percent of students were proficient or above in English and about 73 were proficient or above in math.

The region's largest school district, Hacienda La Puente, had increases in English, 50.2 percent, and math, 43.4 percent.

The rest of the school districts posted modest gains, although a few were still below the state average.