While students' scores improved slightly on most Georgia state exams, results dropped on some tests, according to results released Tuesday.

The official Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests results hardly changed from the preliminary statewide scores the Georgia Department of Education released two weeks ago. State officials shared early results after announcing large numbers of students failed three new math and social studies tests. The results on those three tests angered many parents, students and educators.

Overall scores improved if the tests were based on material teachers have been using for at least two years. Many students failed if the questions covered material teachers just starting teaching this year.

The state is phasing in new requirements for what students should learn and teachers should teach for all grades and subjects. Eight of the 36 CRCT exams were based on new material.

State schools Superintendent Kathy Cox said Tuesday the new lessons cover harder, more advanced material. The results show scores will improve as teacher spend more time with the material, she said.

"Overall I'm pleased with the results, but not satisfied," Cox said in a telephone interview. "We will see continued growth."

The more rigorous curriculum will better prepare students for college and the workforce, but the state must continue to give teachers the training they need to deliver these new lessons, said Stephen Dolinger, president of the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education. The nonpartisan group advocates for better schools.

Cox earlier threw out scores from two new social studies tests, which about 71 percent of the sixth-graders and about 76 percent of the seventh-graders failed. Cox said there was a disconnect between test questions, what teachers taught and what the state says students should learn.

A panel of social studies teachers and other experts suggested revisions to the social studies curriculum for grades six and seven. The state Board of Education is scheduled to vote Thursday to post these revisions for public comment. After the changes are approved, the state will develop new social studies CRCT for the two grades.

The state plans to release district-level CRCT results by June 24 and school-level scores by July 9.

CRCT RESULTS

Public school students in grades 1-8 are required to take the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests in reading, English and math. Students in grades 3-8 also take science and social studies exams. Here are statewide results for the 2008 test, which students took earlier this spring. Figures are the percentage of students who passed each test:

* These tests are based on new curricula students followed for the first time this year. The state says these tests are not comparable to previous years.

** Test results invalidated. Figures based on preliminary results, final numbers were not calculated.

NOTE: Percentages were rounded.

Source: Georgia Department of Education.