A standardized test that helps create the so-called "nation's report card" reveals that students in New York State and across the country are falling short when it comes to science.

The National Assessment of Educational Progress shows that last school year, only 30 percent of fourth graders and 31 percent of eighth graders in New York State were graded "proficient" in science.

That is slightly below the national average for fourth grade and just at the national average for eighth grade.

The results are far worse than those of New York State tests, which have 80 percent of fourth graders and nearly half of eighth graders meeting standards.

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said in a statement the results are unacceptable.

"The results released today show that our nation's students are not learning at a rate that will maintain America's role as an international leader in the sciences," said Duncan. "When only 1 or 2 percent of children score at the advanced levels on NAEP, the next generation will not be ready to be world-class inventors, doctors and engineers."

This was a new version of the national test and cannot be compared to previous years.

Results for the city will be out next month.