Central Susquehanna Valley 11th-graders in all but two school districts — Shikellamy and Shamokin — did better than their peers statewide on the first state standardized science tests.

In almost all local districts, fewer than half taking the test had adequate knowledge of science concepts.

Lewisburg students scored the highest in the Valley, with 67 percent of students scoring as proficient or better on the science test.

Twenty-five percent of Shamokin students scored at proficient levels, the fewest of the 10 local districts. The statewide average was 36 percent.

“We have a lot of challenges,” Frederick Johnson, Selinsgrove school superintendent, said about his district, where 40 percent of students scored proficient or better. “For the first attempt at this, it teaches us a lot and will give direction.”

While Johnson said the school will work to improve test scores, he said he is not yet sure what, if any, new teaching strategies will be implemented.

“Once the staff gets a handle on the test and what is contained in it, then I would expect to see great improvement,” he added.

Cathy Moser, director of curriculum instruction in the Lewisburg Area School District, attributed Lewisburg juniors’ high scores to reading skills, extended science classes and technology in the high school’s classrooms.

“Science classes meet every other day for a double period, which lends itself well to subjects like science to complete a subject in one lesson or finish a lab, rather than a traditional schedule where lessons take place over several days,” Moser said. “Lab experiences certainly enhance the understanding of science content.”

Moser also cited high reading and math scores on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment tests, saying both skills are used when taking subject tests.

“Those solid reading skills transfer to the same type of testing, multiple choice testing, open-ended and short answer questions,” she said.

Education Secretary Gerald L. Zahorchak said in a press release Wednesday that the lack of academic readiness among many high school students puts the commonwealth at a competitive disadvantage.

“We are sending the large majority of our students to college or into the workforce without the tools to compete in our science-rich world,” he said.

He urged policy-makers, students, parents, educators and members of the business community to back statewide high school graduation requirements as a vital tool for student achievement, building a capable workforce and spurring economic growth.

The data show that boosting high school achievement is a statewide issue, Zahorchak said. The majority of 11th-graders scored below grade level in 85 percent of Pennsylvania school districts.