Scale: % at or above proficient
Grade 3
Reading

56% (2011)

53% (2010)

43% (2009)

54% (2008)

32% (2007)
The state average for Reading was 77% in 2011.
Math

71% (2011)

75% (2010)

57% (2009)

63% (2008)

45% (2007)
The state average for Math was 84% in 2011.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2010-2011
Grade 4
Reading

52% (2011)

45% (2010)

52% (2009)

47% (2008)

33% (2007)
The state average for Reading was 73% in 2011.
Science

53% (2011)

53% (2010)

53% (2009)
The state average for Science was 83% in 2011.
Math

69% (2011)

71% (2010)

63% (2009)

64% (2008)

36% (2007)
The state average for Math was 85% in 2011.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2010-2011
Grade 5
Reading

49% (2011)

39% (2010)

39% (2009)

25% (2008)

15% (2007)
The state average for Reading was 67% in 2011.
Writing

28% (2011)

22% (2010)

16% (2009)

21% (2008)

10% (2007)
The state average for Writing was 67% in 2011.
Math

53% (2011)

60% (2010)

49% (2009)

45% (2008)

24% (2007)
The state average for Math was 76% in 2011.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2010-2011
About the Tests
- In 2010-2011 Pennsylvania used the Pennsylvania System of State Assessments (PSSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in math and reading, in grades 5, 8 and 11 in writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 11 in science.
- The results for reading, writing, science and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles.
- The PSSA is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Pennsylvania.
- The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.
Testing in Pennsylvania: An Overview
See Pennsylvania's state standards