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UNDATED (AP) -- Data released Tuesday shows Illinois students' math and reading scores increased slightly in U.S. standardized tests.

But some students in Illinois are still below the national average in some subjects.

Illinois' fourth graders showed gains in reading and math on the 2007 National Assessment of Educational Progress. Eighth graders improved in math, but not in reading.

That means only 30 percent of eight graders scored at or better than proficiency. That's down from 35 percent in 2003. The nationwide average only showed a one-point drop from 30 percent to 29 percent.

The exams are given every two years to a sampling of fourth and eighth graders. The tests are required by reforms of the No Child Left Behind Act.

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