COLUMBIA, S.C. -- South Carolina students made significant improvements on state standardized tests last year according to the state Department of Education.

The results of the 2008 PACT, or Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test, were released Wednesday morning.

Schools Superintendent Jim Rex said Wednesday the percentage of students scoring "proficient" or "advanced" on the last Palmetto Achievement Challenge Tests increased across every grade and subject.

The test has been taken each spring by 300,000 students in grades 3 through 8, but will be replaced this year by a new set of tests.

This year, the biggest improvements came from African-American and low-income students.

Statewide, elementary school students scored higher than middle-school students in all four subjects tested.

Of the four subjects tested, English, math, science and social studies, science scores were by far the lowest.

Students who score proficient or advanced are considered well and exceptionally prepared for the next grade.

Anderson School District 1 has bragging rights over this years PACT results.

It had the highest third-grade results in the state and its other students were in the Top 10 in every subject and every grade level.

"It is a fabulous place to work, everyone here works as a team, from high school down to our level and it is fantastic," said Wren Elementary third grade teacher Paige Mitchell.

Teachers credit teamwork, parent involvement, a hands-on approach to learning and year-round testing to understand each child's individual needs.

"That's the way our district works, its small and that's the way we like it," said Wren Elementary third grade teacher Mary Gilstrap.

FIND YOUR PACT SCORES FOR YOUR CHILD'S SCHOOL