State officials say the overwhelming majority of New Mexico's public schools improved or maintained their performance grade this year. But nearly two-fifths of schools received a "D" or "F", about the same percentage as those receiving an "A" or "B".
There were 332 schools with grades of A or B. That's exceeded the 323 receiving a D or F.
The number of schools receiving a D or F increased by nearly 7 percent from last year while those getting A or B grew by about 8 percent. Schools getting a C dropped by 18 percent.
The Public Education Department said Thursday that 71 percent of schools improved or maintained their letter grades from last year.
The grades are based heavily on results of standards-based tests taken last spring by students and reflect other factors such as a survey of students.
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