The fourth-grade test turned out to be a catalytic event for New York.

One reason for the diverging results is that the fourth-grade tests measure a student's ability to read passages and understand them.

New York performed about average in 1998 and showed no gain from 1992 on the fourth-grade test.

Education experts say the new test is aimed at preparing students for the fourth-grade test.

The number of schools with declines on the fourth-grade test also outnumbered those showing gains.

Statewide, results on the fourth-grade test have improved steadily since 1999.

Like many other children across the city, Laura is applying to competitive middle schools that use last year's fourth-grade test results as criteria for admission.

Just as they will next year on the fourth-grade test, they listened, took notes and wrote an essay.

The laptop did not arrive until April, just days before the state fourth-grade English test.

The fourth-grade test used to be the big deal for Florida school report cards.