County schools are moving slowly but steadily toward the targets in their strategic plan, pulling up test scores and participation in rigorous classes, school officials said this week.

But they still aren't measuring up on some tests or in raising the achievement of students who don't speak English, officials said.

"We were able to determine many areas in which we have made great strides," Superintendent Kevin M. Maxwell said Wednesday at the Board of Education meeting. "We have had success, but we also need to be open about the challenges we face."

The presentation was part one of a four-part update on how schools are...