Scale: % at or above proficient
Grade 3
English Language Arts
14% (2009)
8% (2008)
19% (2007)
17% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 57% in 2009.
Math
13% (2009)
12% (2008)
20% (2007)
21% (2006)
The state average for Math was 60% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 4
English Language Arts
30% (2009)
19% (2008)
37% (2007)
33% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 53% in 2009.
Math
34% (2009)
22% (2008)
26% (2007)
38% (2006)
The state average for Math was 48% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 5
Science
17% (2009)
22% (2008)
28% (2007)
23% (2006)
The state average for Science was 49% in 2009.
English Language Arts
36% (2009)
32% (2008)
43% (2007)
42% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 63% in 2009.
Math
25% (2009)
34% (2008)
37% (2007)
39% (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
