Oregon Public Broadcasting

New test scores for Washington public school students show decidedly mixed results. The Washington state schools superintendent released statewide results Tuesday.

Tom Banse / Northwest News Network

Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn

These numbers come from the first try with Washington's newly shortened standardized tests.

Seventh and eighth graders upped their scores in all subjects. High school sophomores did worse in writing, but better in science. Third graders: improved in reading, fell back on math. The bottom line according to Washington

State schools superintendent Randy Dorn is "mixed to flat." He considers that a victory given the budgetary circumstances.

Randy Dorn: "Because it's been very difficult out there. As resources have been taken away from schools, we've actually been able to hold our own."

Parents of Washington students will receive an exam report in the mail in mid-September.

School-by-school results are available now on a state website.

New for this fall's incoming sophomores: They have to pass all state exams in order to graduate in 2013.