Scale: % at or above proficient
Grade 6
Reading

65% (2011)

59% (2010)

60% (2009)

68% (2008)

65% (2007)
The state average for Reading was 70% in 2011.
Math

65% (2011)

58% (2010)

54% (2009)

65% (2008)

68% (2007)
The state average for Math was 79% in 2011.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2010-2011
Grade 7
Reading

72% (2011)

65% (2010)

66% (2009)

67% (2008)

61% (2007)
The state average for Reading was 76% in 2011.
Math

69% (2011)

67% (2010)

72% (2009)

64% (2008)

54% (2007)
The state average for Math was 79% in 2011.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2010-2011
Grade 8
Reading

71% (2011)

77% (2010)

82% (2009)

80% (2008)

66% (2007)
The state average for Reading was 82% in 2011.
Science

47% (2011)

55% (2010)

60% (2009)
The state average for Science was 58% in 2011.
Writing

35% (2011)

64% (2010)

44% (2009)

49% (2008)

54% (2007)
The state average for Writing was 73% in 2011.
Math

65% (2011)

72% (2010)

74% (2009)

67% (2008)

50% (2007)
The state average for Math was 77% 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