Tests administered by the National Assessment of Educational Progress among students in grades four, eight and 12 last year reveal they have made progress in learning math, but have only reached the status of "average."

Results for each grade are reported according to whether they are "basic," "proficient," or advanced.

Among fourth-graders:

• Some 64 percent performed at or above the basic level last year -- up from 50 percent in 1990.

• Also, 21 percent reached proficient -- up from 13 percent in 1990.

• Their national average score was 224 out of a possible 500 -- 11 points over 1990.

Among eighth-graders:

• The portion performing above basic rose from 52 percent in 1990 to 62 percent.

• Some 24 percent reached proficient last year versus 15 percent in 1990 -- with an average score for all of 272.

• Eighth-graders were the only group to gain at the advanced level -- from 2 percent to 4 percent.

Among high school seniors:

• Some 69 percent tested above basic -- up from 58 percent.

• About 16 percent reached proficient -- up from 12 percent in 1990.

• Their average score was 304.

Source: Tamara Henry, "Math Scores Up, But Still Just Average," USA Today, February 28, 1997.