CHENANGO COUNTY – Statewide math test results show improvements across the board, according to a report released Tuesday by the state education department.

Regents Chancellor Robert M. Bennett and State Education Commissioner Richard Mills say great achievements can be seen this year with an overall achievement rate of 73 percent of students grades 5-8 reaching math standards, compared to 66 percent last year. Testing was done in grades 3 through 8 in March.

Bennett also says the ultimate goal is to close the gap between students who are meeting requirements and those who are not. He says the achievements announced Tuesday are gratifying, although the state department will not be satisfied until the gap is closed everywhere.

In Chenango County, the overall average is below standards, but some schools report improvement.

Students receive a scale score on the test which falls into one of four levels: “exceeds the learning standards;” “meets the learning standards;” “partially meets the learning standards or meets part of the learning standards;” and “serious academic problems.” To meet standards, children tested must score a level three or four.