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

49% (2009)

41% (2008)

42% (2007)

46% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 57% in 2009.
Math

73% (2009)

65% (2008)

49% (2007)

46% (2006)
The state average for Math was 60% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 4
English Language Arts

45% (2009)

22% (2008)

31% (2007)

14% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 53% in 2009.
Math

39% (2009)

43% (2008)

25% (2007)

26% (2006)
The state average for Math was 48% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 5
Science

51% (2009)

27% (2008)

30% (2007)

51% (2006)
The state average for Science was 49% in 2009.
English Language Arts

53% (2009)

48% (2008)

56% (2007)

58% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 63% in 2009.
Math

49% (2009)

44% (2008)

46% (2007)

40% (2006)
The state average for Math was 54% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 6
English Language Arts

60% (2009)

56% (2008)

78% (2007)

66% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 66% in 2009.
Math

54% (2009)

56% (2008)

56% (2007)

36% (2006)
The state average for Math was 57% 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