KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Education says that there has been improved performance of students in all regions who sat the Grade Four Literacy and Numeracy Tests in June.

According to a press release from the ministry, preliminary results of the literacy component of the exam show that 84.6 per cent of students (32,074 candidates) who sat this year’s examination achieved a level of mastery.

The release added that similarly, the results of the numeracy component saw 66. 9 per cent of students (25, 332 candidates) achieving a level of mastery.

However, the ministry noted that throughout all six regions, girls outperformed boys in the overall attainment of mastery in both the literacy and numeracy examinations.

The tests were used to determine the literacy and numeracy of students at grade four, in keeping with international requirements and standards.

In 2009, the ministry of education initiated the Competency Based Transition Policy, which stipulates that no child will be allowed to sit the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) without being certified as achieving mastery in the Grade Four Literacy and Numeracy Test.

Students who do not attain mastery in both areas are required to re-sit the examinations in Grade Five.