Only 7,777 of the 13,465 students who took the obligatory National Tests for the Eighth Grade passed, according to a report. The regions of Azua (42.11%), Santo Domingo (43.63%) and Santiago (48.08%) had the lowest pass rates, whereas the highest rates of success were in San Juan de la Maguana (84.76%), San Pedro de Macoris (79.30%) and Nagua (71.11%). In Spanish language study, 75.77% of the students made the grade, but the average overall score was just 68.76%. In social sciences, 73% passed, while the average was 68%. In natural sciences, 60% passed, but the average score was 68%.
The results from the third cycle of formal adult education were much more positive. In Nagua and Puerto Plata, 98% passed their tests; in Mao, 94%; and in San Pedro de Macoris and Higuey, 93% hit the mark. It gets even better in the non-formal adult third cycle of education. Three regional centers reported 100% pass rates for those who took the tests. These were inSan Juan de la Maguana, San Cristobal and San Pedro de Macoris. Many other areas had pass rates of over 90%.