A record 775 Indiana schools have received an "A" or "exemplary" ranking based on student performance and improvement data while the number receiving an "F" and academic probation has been cut in half to 111.

The Indiana Department of Education released the rankings Monday after they were approved by the State Board of Education. The student data was collected from the state's ISTEP-Plus and end-of-course assessments.

The department said more than half the schools received the two highest rankings. In addition to the 42 percent receiving A's, another 9 percent received B's.

State school superintendent Tony Bennett said the improved overall performance shows the concept of school accountability is working.