Achieve Planning New Math Test for 8th Grade

By David J. Hoff

Washington

A group led by governors and corporate executives is ready to create a new 8th grade mathematics test and is waiting for the go-ahead from states.

Achieve Inc., which was founded in the aftermath of the 1996 education summit in Palisades, N.Y., unveiled a plan here last week to devise a test to evaluate students on math principles emphasized in countries whose students perform the best in international studies. The test would be an adjunct to current state tests.

Officials of the Cambridge, Mass.-based nonprofit group said leaders from 19 states have expressed interest in the proposed 45-minute exam, but added that those states need final approval from their governors and...