Georgia has come a long way, when it comes to its schools. In 1990, the graduation rate was only at 70.9 percent. In 2000, the rate was at 80.6 percent, a big jump for ten years time. The NAEP scores show that in the most recent testing of the states 4th and 8th grade students, all of the state averages were lower than the national average. But, that is not to say that its not improving. In just the past 5 years, student scores in 4th grade have jumped from 57% proficiency in 2000 (at or above basic levels) in math to 76% in 2005. This shows that the state is working hard to improve their students comprehension and skills.