At a press conference today, state education officials hailed the rise in pass rates on the math exam, saying investments in pre-kindergarten and increase state aid account for the improvements.

But as school districts sent out press releases trumpeting the news, Board of Regents Chancellor Meryl Tisch was explaining why higher pass rates don’t necessarily translate into students being better prepared for high school or college. She noted that only half of students in large urban districts who passed the test would go on to college. And many of those who do, Tisch said, would likely require remedial math instruction.

“Just because scores have gone up dramatically does not mean that our youngsters are ready to go to college,” she said, adding the Regents will review whether state tests are too easy and push for national education standards. “It is the board’s intention to raise standards in defining proficiency over the next several years so that our children will be properly prepared to excel in this global economy.”

O….kay.

More than a few school officials were surprised at the comments. Andrew Irvin, assistant superintendent for instruction and personnel in the Carmel school district, said widespread gains come from districts reponding to calls to improve performance.

“I actually think at this point the tests are fair,” he said. “If districts are performing well, then they should be given credit where credit is due.”

To view a webcast of the state Education Department’s news conference, click here.

Read more about this story in tomorrow’s The Journal News.