Scale: % at or above proficient
Grade 5
Science

28% (2009)

52% (2008)

45% (2007)

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

53% (2009)

55% (2008)

53% (2007)

61% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 63% in 2009.
Math

37% (2009)

51% (2008)

41% (2007)

32% (2006)
The state average for Math was 54% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 6
English Language Arts

68% (2009)

66% (2008)

77% (2007)

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

82% (2009)

69% (2008)

77% (2007)

59% (2006)
The state average for Math was 57% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 7
English Language Arts

55% (2009)

73% (2008)

78% (2007)
The state average for English Language Arts was 70% in 2009.
Math

56% (2009)

67% (2008)

72% (2007)
The state average for Math was 49% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 8
Science

41% (2009)

43% (2008)

42% (2007)

34% (2006)
The state average for Science was 39% in 2009.
English Language Arts

77% (2009)

82% (2008)

90% (2007)

91% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 78% in 2009.
Math

63% (2009)

72% (2008)

75% (2007)

36% (2006)
The state average for Math was 48% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 10
English Language Arts

93% (2009)

86% (2008)

83% (2007)

78% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 81% in 2009.
Math

100% (2009)

100% (2008)

89% (2007)

100% (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