Philadelphia public schools reached a new milestone this year – the majority of city students met state standards in reading and math for the first time since 2002, when Pennsylvania began administering tests under the No Child Left Behind law.

It also marks the eighth straight year that city scores are up.

Overall, 57 percent of students met goals in math and 51 percent met them in reading. Scores were up five points in math and three points in reading over the last year.

Superintendent Arlene Ackerman announced the preliminary results of this year’s state exams before the School Reform Commission on Wednesday.

“We certainly have a long way to go, but we’re moving in the right direction,” Ackerman said in an interview later. “It is significant that the majority of our young people are proficient.”

Students in third through eighth grade and 11th grade took the exams in reading and math this spring. Statewide results are expected late this summer…

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