Scale: % at or above proficient
Grade 3
English Language Arts
71% (2009)
81% (2008)
87% (2007)
76% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 57% in 2009.
Math
71% (2009)
71% (2008)
87% (2007)
72% (2006)
The state average for Math was 60% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 4
English Language Arts
77% (2009)
75% (2008)
83% (2007)
79% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 53% in 2009.
Math
66% (2009)
82% (2008)
74% (2007)
68% (2006)
The state average for Math was 48% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 5
Science
58% (2009)
64% (2008)
81% (2007)
62% (2006)
The state average for Science was 49% in 2009.
English Language Arts
91% (2009)
91% (2008)
90% (2007)
96% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 63% in 2009.
Math
79% (2009)
70% (2008)
80% (2007)
82% (2006)
The state average for Math was 54% 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
