BY SARAH ROSS

PORTLAND- The Oregon Department of Education released its report cards for public schools and districts in the state, showing slight increases in achievement across all levels of education.

According to the Department, 37 percent of schools were rated “Outstanding,” an increase from 34 percent last year. Meanwhile, the number of schools rated “Satisfactory” fell from 61 percent to 59 percent. The number of schools rated “In Need of Improvement” slid from 5 percent to 4 percent.

In her statement to the press, Superintendent of Public Instruction Susan Castillo called high school students the “big achievers this year.”

“The number of Oregon high schools rated outstanding jumped an unprecedented nine percent due to a gain in reading scores,” said Castillo. “Oregon students are answering the call of increased high school graduation requirements and are showing they are up to the challenge.”

The percentage of high schools rated outstanding rose from 25 percent last year to 34 percent in the 2009-2010 school year.

Similarly, the percentage of middle schools in this category rose from 18 percent to 21 percent, while the number of elementary schools increased from 42 percent to 43 percent.

The percentage of each of the levels also showed decreases in the number of districts and schools which received “Satisfactory” and “In Need of Improvement.”

For a full listing of the ratings, click here.