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

69% (2008)

50% (2007)

55% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 67% in 2008.
Math

39% (2008)

47% (2007)

31% (2006)

37% (2005)
The state average for Math was 56% in 2008.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Grade 7
English Language Arts

71% (2008)

58% (2007)

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

53% (2008)

42% (2007)
The state average for Math was 47% in 2008.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Grade 8
Science

35% (2008)

30% (2007)

27% (2006)
The state average for Science was 39% in 2008.
English Language Arts

69% (2008)

70% (2007)

74% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 75% in 2008.
Math

43% (2008)

46% (2007)

40% (2006)

41% (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