The National Assessment of Educational Progress, released Thursday and referred to as the Nation’s Report Card, shows that high school seniors in 2009 made some improvement in reading, but remained below the achievement levels reached nearly two decades ago.

Reading comprehension

• 52,000: Students tested

• 288 out of 500: Average score

• 292: Average score in 1992

• 38 percent: Students at or above “proficient” level

• 74 percent: Students at or above “basic” level

Math

• 49,000: Students tested

• 153: Average score

• 150: Average score in 2005

• 86 percent: Seniors who said they expected to graduate college

Associated Press