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The tougher state tests in math and reading that third and fourth graders took in May has lived up to its name: more than a quarter failed, according to sample released by the state Education Department.

The test changes, which were formally adopted by the department on Wednesday, included more questions, fewer multiple-choice selections, a greater variety of reading passages and a higher passing score.

The same thing happened last year when students in grades 5, 6 and 7 took harder exams with higher minimum scores.

The new tests included Education Commissioner Lucille Davy said the spike was expected because the new tests were unfamiliar and more difficult than in years past and the minimum passing scores have been raised. The state Board of Education formally adopted the new passing scores on Wednesday.

"It is our belief that this doesn’t mean students have done any differently or that students did poorer," said Education Commissioner Lucille Davy, according to northjersey.com. "It means we have a higher expectation."

Local school leaders, while supporting the increase in standards and expectations, are frustrated.

"All children want to do well — you want to win the race and get the blue ribbon," Woodland Park Superintendent Scott Rixford told northjersey.com. "What is the cost of having more children receiving reports that they did not succeed? That is a very large question. Are we sending out the wrong signal?"