The percentage of Georgia 11th-graders passing the state's high school graduation test is up slightly, state officials were told Wednesday.

The increasing pass rate on the Georgia High School Graduation Test means fewer students are struggling to grasp basic concepts in math, English, science and social studies, schools Superintendent Kathy Cox told the state school board.

Results for schools in Richmond and Columbia counties were not made public. A Richmond County school official said results might be available today. Phone calls and e-mails sent to Columbia County school officials were not immediately returned Wednesday.

On its Web site, the state education department said individual system-level data will be available no later than May 28, while individual school level data will be available no later than June 11.

Statewide data released Wednesday by Mrs. Cox shows that 90 percent of juniors passed the English language arts portion of the Georgia High School Graduation Test this year. That's up from 89 percent last year.

In math, the rate rose from 93 to 94 percent. Social studies is up from 86 to 87 percent, and science increased from 86 to 88 percent.

The test scores show that the gap between minority and white students is narrowing in some areas.

On the science test, 76 percent of black students passed, compared to 41 percent in 2005. In social studies, the passing rate of Hispanic students grew from 68 percent in 2005 to 76 percent this year.

All high school students have to pass the test to get a diploma in Georgia. Students first take the test as high school juniors and can retake the test as many times as they need.