AP: Common high school math test in 9 states

By NANCY ZUCKERBROD
AP Education Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Nine states have come together for the first time to develop a common high school math test, a move described by some as a step toward national educational standards.

State standards, and tests based on them, vary wildly for subjects as basic as math, English and science.

This group of states has decided to share a test and standards for Algebra II, saying a subject like that shouldn't vary across state lines.

The states are Arkansas, Kentucky, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. They were to announce their effort Tuesday.

The states are still trying to figure out which students will be given the test in the short term, but eventually the test will likely be given to all students who take Algebra II.

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