For Immediate Release
November 13, 2003
Contact:   Chris Kellogg (502) 564-2611 

Statement from Governor Paul Patton regarding the National Assessment of Education Progress scores released today 

            "The scores released today by the 2003 National Assessment of Educational Progress in mathematics and reading for fourth and eighth graders show the progress we've predicted for education reform in Kentucky.  Significant progress like this comes over time and this measurement echoes the results we've seen from other assessment tools.  That's good news for basic skills and competencies achievement for Kentucky children. 

            "That said, further success is in jeopardy if Kentucky fails to deal with the budgetary crisis it faces which could put this progress and future accomplishments at risk.  Just as progress develops over time, losing ground won't be noticed immediately but will impact Kentucky for generations.  It's essential that Kentucky maintain and protect the reforms that have made all the difference for these children so that others who follow have similar successes." 

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