A national study released Wednesday shows Oregon with mediocre academic standards for reading and math. But state officials are quick to point out that the National Assessment of Educational Progress

study is using data from before Oregon’s recent move to raise test-score requirements.

In the worst instance, the national report puts Oregon second from the bottom for 4th grade reading. But state schools’ superintendent Susan Castillo says Oregon’s recent change in standards made a big difference for reading and math.

“This report shows where we were for 2008-2009, but now we’re one of the top 25 percent of states, in terms of where we have our 4th grade reading standards set,” Castillo says. “And when we look at math, we’re one of the top states in the country, for where we have our math standards set.”

The state-by-state variation in academic standards could be less of an issue in years to come, Castillo says. Forty-four states — including Oregon, Washington and Idaho — have agreed to align with a set of what are called “common core standards” for reading and math. But Castillo says it will still be helpful to have outside experts checking those standards and providing benchmarks for other subjects such as science and social studies.

Read more on news.opb.org.