Scale: % at or above proficient
Grade 7
Reading

23% (2009)

46% (2008)

43% (2007)

57% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 71% in 2009.
Math

20% (2009)

42% (2008)

50% (2007)

57% (2006)
The state average for Math was 75% in 2009.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 8
Reading

60% (2009)

73% (2008)

71% (2007)

53% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 81% in 2009.
Science

25% (2009)
The state average for Science was 55% in 2009.
Writing

40% (2009)

63% (2008)

59% (2007)

29% (2006)
The state average for Writing was 71% in 2009.
Math

35% (2009)

55% (2008)

71% (2007)

25% (2006)
The state average for Math was 71% in 2009.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 11
Reading

7% (2009)

23% (2008)

15% (2007)

37% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 65% in 2009.
Science

0% (2009)
The state average for Science was 40% in 2009.
Writing

41% (2009)

32% (2008)

46% (2007)

66% (2006)
The state average for Writing was 83% in 2009.
Math

7% (2009)

5% (2008)

8% (2007)

0% (2006)
The state average for Math was 56% in 2009.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
About the Tests
- In 2008-2009 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 scores reflect the performance of students enrolled for the full academic year.
- 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
Compare with test results from nearby schools