California students scored almost 2 percent higher on statewide standardized tests that measured academic performance last year.
The Academic Performance Index released Thursday by the California Department of Education showed a statewide score of 754, as compared to 741 in 2008.
Los Angeles Unified School District, the state's largest district, scored 693.
Statewide, Hispanic students saw the largest gain with 15 points, while African-American students increased 11 points. Asian and white students' scores increased 12 and 13 points, respectively.
However, black and Hispanic students continue to lag their Asian and white counterparts by about 2 percent.
