, Oct 27, 2003 / 12:00 am (CNA).- Catholic school students scored higher on New York States fourth- and eight-grade math exams than public schools. The data was released Oct. 22 Diocese of Syracuse.

The results showed a stark contrast: 92 per cent of the elementary school students in the 16 Catholic schools Onondaga County passed the fourth-grade math test, while only 78 per cent of public school students passed the test. In the eighth grade, 75 per cent of Catholic school students passed the test, while only 51 per cent of public students passed. At five Catholic elementary schools, all of the fourth-graders passed the exam.

Teachers explained the good results are a result of small class sizes, structured classes, strong parent involvement and extra time spent during and after school to make sure students master problem areas.

Some of the Catholic schools also had children scoring a Level 4 on the tests, meaning that they exceeded state standards. At one Catholic elementary school, 80 per cent of the children scored at Level 4. About 13 per cent of Catholic grade eight students scored at Level 4, compared with 9 per cent in public schools.

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