Minnesota has the biggest gap in the nation between black and white students when you compare how those groups do on high school graduation tests. 19 states require high school students to pass tests before graduating from high school. The gap between black and white students in Minnesota is highlighted in a study from the Center on Education Policy in Washington, D.C. The study finds that just 33 percent of black students in Minnesota... compared to 78 percent of white students.... passed the math basic skills tests on the first try. A similar gap was found on the reading tests. Joining us on the line is Cheri Pearson Yecke (YECK-ee)... Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education. That is Cheri Pearson Yecke (YECK-ee), Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education.