ATLANTA -- Georgia's results for the 2013 CRCT reveal an improvement over the 2012 results.

The scores, which were released Tuesday morning, show 18 increases, five decreases and seven tests where the passing rates did not change.

"Our results this year on the CRCT show consistent progress and we continue to see many students scoring in the exceeds category," State School Superintendent Dr. John Barge said in a statement. "This is a testament to the great work our teachers are doing to take students to higher levels of learning."

In Hall County, the percentages of students who met or exceeded standards on the 2013 CRCT include:

Reading: 90.98
Math: 75.42
Science: 73.45
Social Studies: 77.7

See the full results at 11Alive.com/CRCT.

ATLANTA -- Fifty recent high school graduates have received this year's Horatio Alger Georgia Scholarship.

The $5,000 award is given annually to students who overcome personal obstacles to demonstrate academic strength, dedication to community service and outstanding personal character.

"It is a privilege to play a part in these young people's college education," Horatio Alger Association president and CEO Tony Novelly said in a statement. "They have already shown perseverence and courage in the face of adversity, and with opportunities made available through higher education and our free-enterprise system, there is no limit to the things they may achieve."

The Horatio Alger Association have provided nearly $2 million in scholarships to Georgia high school seniors since 1987.

This year's scholarship recipients from Georgia include:

* Megan L. Bauer
Ridgeland HS, Rossville

* Keith A. Berry
Hebron Christian Academy, Dacula

BROOKHAVEN, Ga. -- Georgia Shakespeare, the Oglethorpe University-based theater group, recently announced a partnership with three other north Georgia schools.

The new alliance includes Kennesaw State University and the two schools that make up the Gainesville Theatre Alliance -- Brenau University and the University of North Georgia.

"In 2012, we took a hard look at our operating model and decided that, in order to become truly sustainable, we needed to capitalize on our unique strengths," Georgia Shakespeare managing director Lauren Morris said in a statement.

Georgia Shakespeare will use the new partnership to play up those strengths, including bringing classic stories to life in a modern, relatable way. The newly added universities will also help the company increase ticket sales and sponsorship opportunities, and allow budding performers at the schools to explore the inner workings of a professional theater company.