SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Syracuse students are improving on standardized testing, but they still have a long way to go. The New York State Education Department released the scores for the third through eighth grade Math and ELA tests Tuesday.

A total of 26.9 percent of Syracuse City School district students met or exceeded the proficiency in math. That's compared with 64.8 percent statewide.

In English, 24.2 percent scored at or above expected levels, compared to 55.1 percent statewide.

In a Statement Superintendent Sharon Contreras says, "While our growth is incremental and not representative of our high expectations, we are encouraged by the results. Although there is much work to be done, we are headed in the right direction."

Last year, scores for both tests were down across the State as the Education Department made tests more challenging by doubling the number of questions and requiring essays. Math scores are still more than a percent higher than 2010 levels. But ELA scores trail by the same amount.

To check out the scores, visit www.p12.nysed.gov.