The drop in reading scores for ninth-graders held true statewide. But Eastin found good news in the state's math, science and history-social science scores. Countywide, 21.7 percent of students are limited-English proficient, or LEP, compared with 1.8 percent in the norm group. Similarly, there are striking demographic differences among local districts. Nor do linguistic differences count as the only major demographic factor on test scores.
Poverty also plays a crucial role.
By contrast, affluent districts with little student turnover can boast scores well above national averages. Rancho Santa Fe School District students' scores in math and language ranked higher than 90 percent of the national sample group's scores. The divergence reflects a persistent urban-suburban split. Some complaints Suburban students are generally more affluent, more likely to speak English and likely to receive instruction from more experienced teachers, while high rates of poverty and foreign languages present challenges to learning in urban districts. Some teachers complain that the new test was imposed on students with little notice and that it was out of sync with the state's new academic standards.