By JIM BUTLER

Better than half of Rapides third- and fourth-graders show basic or better skills in LEAP testing this year.

Lower elementary grades are considered the base for student success as she/he moves through the school system.

LEAP measures English-language arts, math, science and social studies though the latter was not done this year as schools are transitioning to a new approach (something called Freedom Framework) in that field.

State Supt. Cade Brumley said overall state results show students are holding steady to gains of the past two years.

In Rapides 72 percent of third-graders scored basic or better in ELA, 61 percent reached that in math and 63 percent in science.

In fourth grade testing 54 percent were at basic or above in ELA, 72 percent in math and 58 percent in science.

Mastery and Advanced results are affirmations the student is ready for the next grade without remediation or additional support, according to the state.

By that measure, Rapides third-graders testing as ready for the fourth numbered 50 percent in ELA, 30 percent in math and 18 percent in science.

Fourth-graders ready for fifth, the scores show, were 25 percent in ELA, 30 percent in math and 18 percent in science.

Individual school results for each testing level are available on the Department of Education website.