FORT WAYNE, Ind. — A slightly lower percentage of this year's high-school seniors were able to pass the ISTEP-Plus graduation exam by commencement time than the class of 2000.

        Eighty-three percent of Indiana's class of 2001 passed the graduation exam, compared with 86 percent of last year's senior class, the state Department of Education said.

        The class of 2000 was the first required to pass the test in order to receive a diploma unless they could meet certain waiver requirements. State officials say the exam's goal is to ensure graduates have a minimum of ninth-grade skills in English and mathematics.

        The exam is first offered during the sophomore year, and is repeated twice a year thereafter so students can achieve the minimum standard to graduate.

        An estimated 91 percent of the class of 2001 passed the English portion of the exam, compared with 83 percent a year ago. In math, 87 percent of the class passed, compared with 83 percent last year.

        The actual pass rate is higher because of the estimating method used, said Wes Bruce, the education department's director of school assessment.

        After the latest test this spring, 75 percent of the members of the class of 2002 have passed both parts of the exam.

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