Minnesota's students made dramatic gains on state science tests this year, but still fewer than half are proficient in the subject, according to test data being released today by the Minnesota Department of Education.

Overall, 46 percent of students exceeded the expectations the state set out for them, up from 40 percent last year, when the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments-II science exams were given for the first time. Of the three grade levels tested this spring, 45 percent of fifth-graders, 43 percent of eighth-graders and 50 percent of high school students succeeded.

For educators, that's not good enough.

"While we're happy with the improvement, we're still not pleased with the overall numbers," said Chas Anderson, deputy education commissioner, who acknowledged that increased familiarity with the online test this year probably contributed to the increase.

The test results come seven months after the state's students were found to be near the top of the world in math and science, based on an international assessment that compares Minnesota students with those from other countries.