mathematics test is given from grades two to seven, and after that, they start taking algebra, geometry, algebra ii. you see that the scores have gone from 56.6% to 66%. again, an upward trend every single year. again, let's hear the joy. [applause] ok, when we look at other content areas like science and social science, we do see similar patterns. especially in science, both at the middle school and elementary school -- grade five and a grade 8 -- you see almost 60% of the students performing at advanced. in social science, both at the middle and high school levels, you see the students performing at proficient or advanced, more than 50% of them. ok? those are the other content area scores. the other thing the district has been charged with, and it is always focusing itself around, is narrowing the achievement gap. here are the results for our targeted students. we say we are narrowing the achievement gap if the student groups as a whole showed greater improvement than even the district. ok? so, they have to show greater improvement than even the district. this year, for the third year in a row, i

when they get the 10th grade, they are taking algebra ii. they have completed their requirements their sophomore year. it is very powerful that we have invested in this notion. the other thing i want to say, and i would invite you -- in the press release, you have a list of schools that have shown tremendous gains. i invite you to talk to the teachers and staff members and ask what they did that made such a big difference. another step the district took was to identify 15 schools that historical have not -- historically have not performed well. the things i have just talked about -- using data effectively, instructional practice, standards-based construction -- you will see that many of those schools made tremendous growth this year -- using data effectively, instructional practice, standards-based instruction. no student is anonymous. all students have names and stories. that is what we are here to do, to meet the needs of our students. as the chief instructional officer of our district, i am very proud that our parents, teachers, administr