Most students in urban public schools are failing to achieve even basic skills in reading, math and science, according to a report to be published today by the journal Education Week. The report is said to be one of the most comprehensive assessments even undertaken of urban schools.

Based on students' scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, the report revealed that:

• Only 43 percent of urban students scored at the basic level or higher in the fourth-grade reading test -- compared to 63 percent of those located in non-urban areas.

• In eighth-grade math, the figures were 42 percent for urban students -- versus 66 percent for non-urban learners.

• A mere 38 percent of eighth-grade urban students had a basic or better understanding of science -- compared to 65 percent of those learning in a non-urban setting.

The largest gap in student achievement nationwide was recorded in Maryland -- where only nine percent of eighth-grade urban students had a basic understanding of math, compared to 63 percent of those outside cities.