The state Education Department says the number of students who scored at the proficiency level or better increased by more than 1 percent in both math and English in grades 3 through 8 during last school year's Common Core assessments.

News 12 reported that tens of thousands of Long Island students refused to take the exams, which education officials say are vital.

State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia called the results a good sign for the future.

"These tests are important because they give us valuable information about how students' schools and districts are performing and where the gaps in student achievement persist. But tests are only one piece of the puzzle," says Elia. 

Starting this spring, students will sit for four days of state testing instead of six. There will be two days of testing for the English language arts (ELA) test section and two days for math.

Also, the state says it will unveil new standards and new assessments in the next few years. The state is dropping the Common Core label for what they call "Next Generation." 

Jeanette Deutermann, of Long Island Opt Out, says an "entire generation of students" have been lost in the shuffle with the Common Core "experiment." 

"It's bittersweet for parents to hear there will be changes in a few more years," she tells News 12.

Carle Place School Superintendent David Flatley says it's going to take some time for parents, educators and students to "regain the trust that was lost in our assessment system several years ago." 

Common Core test refusal numbers dropped 2 percent this past school year.