Scale: % at or above proficient
Grade 8
Science

29% (2009)

28% (2008)

30% (2007)

32% (2006)
The state average for Science was 39% in 2009.
English Language Arts

73% (2009)

67% (2008)

73% (2007)

72% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 78% in 2009.
Math

50% (2009)

42% (2008)

44% (2007)

42% (2006)
The state average for Math was 48% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 10
English Language Arts

83% (2009)

78% (2008)

76% (2007)

80% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 81% in 2009.
Math

75% (2009)

75% (2008)

75% (2007)

84% (2006)
The state average for Math was 75% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
About the Tests
- In 2008-2009 Massachusetts used the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) to test students in grades 3 though 8 and 10 in English language arts and math and in grades 5 and 8 in science.
- The grade 10 MCAS is a high school graduation requirement.
- The MCAS is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Massachusetts.
- The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.
Testing in Massachusetts: An Overview
See Massachusetts' state standards
Compare with test results from nearby schools