Scale: % at or above proficient
Grade 3
English Language Arts
10% (2008)
19% (2007)
12% (2006)
8% (2005)
The state average for English Language Arts was 56% in 2008.
Math
20% (2008)
26% (2007)
13% (2006)
The state average for Math was 61% in 2008.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Grade 4
English Language Arts
6% (2008)
13% (2007)
16% (2006)
15% (2005)
The state average for English Language Arts was 49% in 2008.
Math
24% (2008)
24% (2007)
19% (2006)
10% (2005)
The state average for Math was 49% in 2008.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Grade 5
Science
4% (2008)
7% (2007)
10% (2006)
The state average for Science was 50% in 2008.
English Language Arts
16% (2008)
18% (2007)
17% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 61% in 2008.
Math
18% (2008)
30% (2007)
8% (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
