• Nine-year-olds. In 2004, a higher percentage of students than in any previous assessment year performed the simple, discrete reading tasks described at level 150. Also, the percentage of students reaching the 200 level, by demonstrating partially developed skills and understanding, was higher in 2004 than in 1999 and 1971.
• Thirteen-year-olds. The percentage of students reaching level 300, understanding complicated information, was higher in 2004 than in 1971.
• Seventeen-year-olds. The percentage of students at or above level 250, showing the ability to interrelate ideas and make generalizations, in 2004 is at almost the same level as it was in 1971.                                                             

                                                                                 View the reading performance-level descriptions.