NM education standards below benchmarks

ALBUQUERQUE (AP) - A new report shows New Mexico's achievement standards in fourth- and eighth-grade reading and math are lower than a national benchmark.

The National Center for Education Statistics report released Thursday shows New Mexico standards ranked students proficient in reading and math in 2007 when a national test found them basic, or having only a partial understanding of fundamental skills.

The report shows only four states across the country matched or exceeded the national benchmarks.

New Mexico's national ranking for its standards ranged from eighth place for eighth-grade mathematics standards to 24th for eighth-grade reading standards.

Education Secretary Veronica Garcia says the report shows New Mexico's standards set high expectations for academic rigor.