In the past few months, District students have represented Bibb County in science fair competitions at the regional and state levels. The science fair is an important science competition that helps students see and experience the processes used to explore questions and find answers to problems. Preparing for these competitions reinforces educational standards that teach scientific literacy and the habits that come from the scientific method.

The following students took top honors at the 2014 Georgia College Regional Science and Engineering Fair, which was held January 31 and February 1 at Georgia College & State University. Many of these students advanced to compete in the Georgia Science and Engineering Fair in Athens on March 27-29.

- From Alexander II Math and Science Magnet School: Alex Suk, first place; and Cooper Massey, first place.

The National Merit Scholarship Program and the National Achievement Scholarship Program are programs of academic competition for both recognition and scholarships. High school students enter the program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

ATLANTA (AP) - State education officials say Georgia's elementary and middle schools improved overall during the last two years. But high schools on average are struggling to boost their students' performance.

That's according to new data released on Monday. The state is releasing two years of scores for school districts, including an update to previously released 2012 numbers.

The original 2012 numbers were the result of a similar system, rating schools on a scale of 100.