Public school students across the United States posted record scores in math this year but stalled in making progress in reading, according to results of nationwide testing released Tuesday. In math, 40 percent of fourth-graders and 35 percent of eighth-graders scored at a level that was proficient or advanced, higher than at any level since the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) testing began 20 years ago. Read full article > >

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U.S. students make gains in math but stall in reading

To this point, Washington Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld has effectively followed the Oklahoma City Thunder model. The Thunder has reached the Western Conference finals just three seasons after suffering a franchise-record 62 losses, relying on the serendipity of the NBA draft lottery, strong scouting, shrewd trades and an overall sound strategy to team-building. Washington believes it’s making progress along a similar path — but here’s where the playbook gets difficult for Grunfeld. For the Wizards to join the league’s elite as quickly as the Thunder, Grunfeld soon must provide standout rookie point guard John Wall with at least one teammate who also possesses superstar potential. Washington, which learned Tuesday night it would have the sixth overall pick in the June 23 draft, also holds the 18th overall selection, so the program could remain on track if Grunfeld gets things right. If Grunfeld chooses poorly, however, the Wizards potentially face a setback at a key juncture. Read full article > >

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As NBA draft approaches, Washington Wizards want to continue following Oklahoma City Thunder model

The UN nuclear agency says Japan is making progress in its effort to tackle the post-earthquake nuclear emergency, but the situation remains “very serious”.

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Japan nuclear progress as toll up

The husband of shot US congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords says she is making progress and was able to give him a neck massage from her hospital bed.

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Husband hails Giffords ‘progress’

“We are winning” in Afghanistan, says Gen. David H. Petraeus. President Obama declares that the December military review shows we are “on track.” No doubt the president and the general are right: We will keep “making progress” for as many months or years as we choose to fight what is now America’…

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The costs of war