South Carolina's public elementary and middle schools have shown significant improvement in several areas of the Palmetto Assessment of State Standards (PASS) for the 2011-12 school year, according to data released Thursday.

Third- through eighth-graders across the state took tests in writing, English/language arts, math, science and social studies.

State Superintendent of Education Mick Zais said in a release that "this year’s results were encouraging and that educators and students should be congratulated." 

“Our focus must always be on what happens in the classroom between a teacher and students,” Zais said.  “Credit for these results belongs to the hard work of students, teachers, and parents across South Carolina.  Student achievement should continue to increase if we encourage policies that personalize and customize education for every child.”

While students have made some gains, state officials say reading proficiency is still an area that needs work.

“Reading proficiency must continue to be the focus in elementary school,” Zais said in the release. “It is good news that the number of students demonstrating reading proficiency in third grade has increased."

"But the fact remains that nearly 20 percent of students leave third grade not reading on grade level.  Promoting students whom have not mastered basic reading skills by third grade doesn’t help them; it hinders their education.”

Zais said schools should provide intensive reading instruction and intervention rather than promote the students to the next grade. 

Look up your school's results above.

Here is South Carolina's performance, by grade and subject matter.

¹“Met” means the student met the grade level standard.

²“Exemplary” means the student demonstrated exemplary performance in meeting the grade level standard.