Baltimore City still lags the state overall in terms of the percentage of students passing the algebra, biology and government High School Assessment tests, but they did outpace their peers statewide in percentage gains on the algebra/data analysis, biology and government High School Assessment tests, according to results released Monday by the Maryland State Department of Education. “Our students can achieve at higher levels when given the right tools and opportunities,” said Board Chairman Brian Morris in a statement. “This confirms that our high school reforms are starting to demonstrate very positive impacts on student growth and learning.”

The Baltimore City Public School System noted in a news release that 36.8 percent of BCPSS students passed the algebra/data analysis HSA last year, with 15 percent more students passing than in 2005 (statewide 12.8 percent more students passed than the previous year). In biology, 47.9 percent of city students passed the HSA, an increase of 18.6 percent of students passing (statewide, 10.2 percent more students passed than last year. Similarly, 53.9 percent of city students passed the Government HSA, an increase of 12.2 percent (statewide, 7.8 percent more students passed).