OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska and Iowa have placed in the top third of the country for science proficiency on the 2015 National Assessment of Educational Progress science test. The Omaha World-Herald reports that the science test results for fourth, eighth and 12th grade students were released Thursday. The U.S. Department of Education administers the test, which measures knowledge in physical science, life science and earth and space sciences. It also gauges knowledge of science practices.

According to the results, proficiency rates in Nebraska and Iowa public schools exceeded the national average of 37 percent of students scoring proficient or advanced. Peggy Carr, acting commissioner for the National Center for Educational Statistics, says students across the board are improving, but minority students and girls are making gains to narrow achievement gaps.