Scale: % at or above proficient
Grade 6
English Language Arts

91% (2008)

84% (2007)

86% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 67% in 2008.
Math

87% (2008)

79% (2007)

73% (2006)

78% (2005)
The state average for Math was 56% in 2008.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Grade 7
English Language Arts

91% (2008)

90% (2007)

94% (2005)
The state average for English Language Arts was 69% in 2008.
Math

68% (2008)

71% (2007)
The state average for Math was 47% in 2008.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Grade 8
Science

54% (2008)

55% (2007)

51% (2006)
The state average for Science was 39% in 2008.
English Language Arts

93% (2008)

96% (2007)

93% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 75% in 2008.
Math

69% (2008)

71% (2007)

69% (2006)

61% (2005)
The state average for Math was 49% in 2008.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
About the Tests
- In 2007-2008 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