Scale: % at or above proficient
Grade 5
Science

47% (2009)

53% (2008)

78% (2007)

48% (2006)
The state average for Science was 49% in 2009.
English Language Arts

63% (2009)

51% (2008)

77% (2007)

62% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 63% in 2009.
Math

34% (2009)

33% (2008)

48% (2007)

46% (2006)
The state average for Math was 54% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 6
English Language Arts

69% (2009)

78% (2008)

75% (2007)

73% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 66% in 2009.
Math

57% (2009)

61% (2008)

57% (2007)

49% (2006)
The state average for Math was 57% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 7
English Language Arts

79% (2009)

75% (2008)

79% (2007)
The state average for English Language Arts was 70% in 2009.
Math

54% (2009)

57% (2008)

50% (2007)
The state average for Math was 49% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 8
Science

49% (2009)

44% (2008)

41% (2007)

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

89% (2009)

83% (2008)

87% (2007)

85% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 78% in 2009.
Math

51% (2009)

50% (2008)

44% (2007)

39% (2006)
The state average for Math was 48% 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