Atlanta students made the biggest improvements in fourth grade reading and eighth grade math compared to nine other urban school systems over the last 10 years, according to National Assessment of Educational Progress test results released Wednesday.

Atlanta Public Schools tied with Los Angeles for making the greatest gains among those cities in eighth grade reading, and it was second only to Washington, D.C., in raising fourth grade math scores.

Superintendent Erroll Davis said the increase in NAEP scores reflects Atlanta Public Schools’ focus on academic standards, teacher collaboration and professional development.

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