ALBANY, N.Y. - About 2,500 of New York's public and charter schools - including hundreds in New York City - are showing test scores that rose to meet state standards or are rapidly improving. The schools had been underperforming and often reflected an achievement gap between poor and wealthier districts. The state Board of Regents is identifying 1,759 traditional public schools, 19 charter schools and 288 school districts as meeting state math and English standards during 2006-2007 and making notable progress for at least two straight years. Another 373 schools, 10 charter schools and 62 school districts are still below standards in at least one area, but are considered "rapidly improving." Half of New York City's underperforming schools made one of the categories.

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