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

65% (2009)

72% (2008)

56% (2007)

63% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 57% in 2009.
Math

80% (2009)

82% (2008)

72% (2007)

67% (2006)
The state average for Math was 60% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 4
English Language Arts

74% (2009)

36% (2008)

63% (2007)

57% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 53% in 2009.
Math

71% (2009)

39% (2008)

71% (2007)

38% (2006)
The state average for Math was 48% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 5
Science

42% (2009)

53% (2008)

51% (2007)

56% (2006)
The state average for Science was 49% in 2009.
English Language Arts

72% (2009)

69% (2008)

58% (2007)

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

44% (2009)

51% (2008)

51% (2007)

37% (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