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

59% (2008)

57% (2007)

61% (2006)

71% (2005)
The state average for English Language Arts was 56% in 2008.
Math

48% (2008)

66% (2007)

60% (2006)
The state average for Math was 61% in 2008.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Grade 4
English Language Arts

24% (2008)

36% (2007)

49% (2006)

35% (2005)
The state average for English Language Arts was 49% in 2008.
Math

21% (2008)

34% (2007)

20% (2006)

29% (2005)
The state average for Math was 49% in 2008.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Grade 5
Science

74% (2008)

54% (2007)

78% (2006)
The state average for Science was 50% in 2008.
English Language Arts

62% (2008)

61% (2007)

82% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 61% in 2008.
Math

52% (2008)

56% (2007)

62% (2006)
The state average for Math was 52% 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