Scale: % at or above proficient
Grade 3
English Language Arts
36% (2009)
27% (2008)
32% (2007)
48% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 57% in 2009.
Math
36% (2009)
35% (2008)
38% (2007)
52% (2006)
The state average for Math was 60% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 4
English Language Arts
13% (2009)
13% (2008)
24% (2007)
25% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 53% in 2009.
Math
16% (2009)
26% (2008)
17% (2007)
22% (2006)
The state average for Math was 48% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 5
Science
18% (2009)
5% (2008)
8% (2007)
7% (2006)
The state average for Science was 49% in 2009.
English Language Arts
35% (2009)
34% (2008)
26% (2007)
33% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 63% in 2009.
Math
40% (2009)
33% (2008)
25% (2007)
18% (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
