In this year's report the United States received:

	12 arrows pointing upward for significant improvement;
	11 horizontal arrows indicating where there has been no significant change in performance; and
	5 arrows pointing downward for significant declines in performance.

The 12 arrows that were awarded for significant improvement are associated with Goals 1, 3, 5, and 7:

Goal 1: Ready to Learn

	The proportion of infants born with one or more of four health risks has decreased.
	The percentage of 2-year-olds who have been fully immunized against preventable childhood diseases has increased.
	The percentage of families who are reading and telling stories to their children on a regular basis has increased.
	The gap in preschool participation between 3- to 5-year-olds from high- and low-income families has decreased.

Goal 3: Student Achievement and Citizenship

The percentages of students who are proficient in reading has risen in:

Grade 8.

The percentages of students who are proficient in mathematics have risen in:

	Grade 4;
	Grade 8; and
	Grade 12.

Goal 5: Mathematics and Science

The proportion of college degrees awarded in mathematics and science has increased. This is true for:

	all students;
	minority students; and
	female students.

Goal 7: Safe, Disciplined, and Alcohol- and Drug-free Schools

The percentage of students who report that they have been threatened or injured at school has decreased.

The 5 arrows that were awarded for significant declines in national performance are associated with Goals 4 and 7:

Goal 4: Teacher Education and Professional Development

The percentage of secondary school teachers who hold a degree in their main teaching assignment has decreased.

Goal 7: Safe, Disciplined, and Alcohol- and Drug-free Schools

	The percentage of students reporting that they used an illicit drug has increased.
	The percentage of students reporting that someone offered to sell or give them drugs at school has increased.
	The percentage of public school teachers reporting that they were threatened or injured at school has increased.
	A higher percentage of secondary school teachers report that student disruptions in their classrooms interfere with their teaching.

In this year's report 23 states received 10 or more arrows pointing upward for significant improvement during the 1990s. Colorado, Connecticut, Kentucky, and North Carolina led the states, with significant improvement on 13 measures, followed by California, New York, South Carolina, and Texas, with significant improvement on 12.

Key improvements made by states during the 1990s are as follows:

Goal 1: Ready to Learn

	37 states reduced the percentage of infants born with one or more of four health risks.
	50 states increased the percentage of mothers receiving early prenatal care.
	49 states increased the proportion of children with disabilities participating in preschool.

Goal 2: School Completion

13 states have reduced their high school dropout rates.

Goal 3: Student Achievement and Citizenship

	27 states increased the percentage of 8th graders who are proficient in mathematics.
	50 states increased the proportion of scores on Advanced Placement examinations that were high enough to qualify for college credit.

Goal 4: Teacher Education and Professional Development

17 states increased the percentage of public school teachers who received support from a master or mentor teacher during their first year of teaching.

Goal 5: Mathematics and Science

	51 states increased the percentage of degrees earned by all students that were awarded in mathematics or science.
	38 states increased the percentage of degrees earned by minority students that were awarded in mathematics or science.
	51 states increased the percentage of degrees earned by female students that were awarded in mathematics or science.

Goal 6: Adult Literacy and Lifelong Learning

	10 states increased voter registration.
	39 states increased the percentage of high school graduates who immediately enrolled in college.

Goal 8: Parental Participation

17 states increased the influence of parent associations on public school policies.

Areas in which large numbers of states showed significant declines in performance during the 1990s are as follows:

Goal 1: Ready to Learn

In 36 states, the percentage of infants born at low birthweight has increased.

Goal 2: School Completion

In 10 states, the high school dropout rate has increased.

Goal 6: Adult Literacy and Lifelong Learning

In 11 states, lower percentages of students are enrolling in college immediately after high school.

Goal 7: Safe, Disciplined, and Alcohol- and Drug-free Schools

	In 16 states, higher percentages of students report using marijuana.
	In 15 states, higher percentages of students report that drugs are available on school property.
	In 37 states, higher percentages of public school teachers report that student disruptions in class interfere with their teaching.

The states that were most frequently among the top performers on measures of progress toward the National Education Goals were Maine (21 times), Connecticut (20 times), and North Dakota (17 times).

The states that ranked among the most-improved states the greatest number of times were Connecticut and the District of Columbia (8 times each), and North Carolina (6 times).