The first results from the District Of Columbia Comprehensive Assessment System (DC-CAS) tests are out, and the results are encouraging. Bill Turque summarizes the gains in the Post:

Nearly half the District’s public elementary students (49 percent) scored at proficiency levels in reading and math. Reading scores last year were 46 percent; math scores rose from 40 percent proficiency. In 2007, fewer than a third of elementary students were proficient in either category. Gains at the middle and high school levels were more modest. Reading proficiency grew from 39 percent to 41 percent; math proficiency rose from 36 percent to 40 percent.

Also of particular note – minority students in middle and high school reduced the math achievement gap between themselves and white students, from 70 to 50 percent.

The DC-CAS is taken by students in grades 3-8 and high school sophomores. Scores are also used to evaluate the District’s progress under the federal No Child Left Behind law. The city’s charter schools, which enroll about a third of D.C. students, also posted slightly improved scores. Complete results for individual schools will be released in about two weeks.

Our quick take – any growth is good, and the reduction in the achievement gap for math is especially promising. D.C.’s teachers, students, and parents should be proud of their efforts and results.

But. When 49 percent of D.C. kids are on grade level in reading, that means that the rest of them aren’t. D.C. schools are still failing the majority of students.

It’s often acknowledged within education circles that it takes at least three years for reforms to have meaningful impact, but critics and supporters alike will still look to these scores as a measure of schools chancellor Michelle Rhee’s performance over the past two years. Rhee, for her part, was quick to credit teachers for the improvement.

“We are proud of our students and encouraged by their continued growth,” she said in a statement. “Once again DCPS educators made the difference, and we are extremely grateful for their tireless work.”