Mixed results on reading tests

Despite gains made over the last seven years, Los Angeles Unified's fourth- and eighth-graders are still among the nation's worst readers, with test scores that lag behind most major urban districts, according to a report released Thursday.Connie Llanos in the Daily News.

The Nation's Report Card, released by the National Assessment of Educational Progress, shows that LAUSD scored behind those in New York, Chicago and Boston - but ahead of Detroit - on tests that measure reading comprehension, retention and vocabulary.

LAUSD officials acknowledged the need to improve on the tests, which are administered by the U.S. Department of Education.