Scale: % at or above proficient
Grade 6
English Language Arts
37% (2009)
58% (2008)
58% (2007)
49% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 66% in 2009.
Math
33% (2009)
39% (2008)
28% (2007)
25% (2006)
The state average for Math was 57% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 7
English Language Arts
58% (2009)
63% (2008)
58% (2007)
The state average for English Language Arts was 70% in 2009.
Math
29% (2009)
31% (2008)
25% (2007)
The state average for Math was 49% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 8
Science
18% (2009)
24% (2008)
26% (2007)
26% (2006)
The state average for Science was 39% in 2009.
English Language Arts
65% (2009)
73% (2008)
71% (2007)
61% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 78% in 2009.
Math
21% (2009)
29% (2008)
25% (2007)
20% (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
