Scale: % at or above proficient
Grade 3
English Language Arts

75% (2009)

68% (2008)

74% (2007)

65% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 57% in 2009.
Math

92% (2009)

75% (2008)

77% (2007)

76% (2006)
The state average for Math was 60% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 4
English Language Arts

68% (2009)

52% (2008)

65% (2007)

63% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 53% in 2009.
Math

69% (2009)

72% (2008)

55% (2007)

62% (2006)
The state average for Math was 48% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 5
Science

59% (2009)

47% (2008)

65% (2007)

57% (2006)
The state average for Science was 49% in 2009.
English Language Arts

74% (2009)

66% (2008)

87% (2007)

62% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 63% in 2009.
Math

65% (2009)

71% (2008)

73% (2007)

48% (2006)
The state average for Math was 54% 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