Fourth- and eighth-graders who understand science at their grade level held steady -- 29 percent of fourth-graders and 32 percent of eight-graders.
Sixty-six percent of fourth-graders and 61 percent of eighth-graders have a basic understanding of science and fundamental skills.
While the percentage of white 12th-graders scoring above proficient in science dropped six points, to 62 percent in 2000, that was still nearly three times as high as their fl peers -- and twice as high as Hispanic students.