Scale: % at or above proficient
Grade 5
Science

50% (2009)

61% (2008)

71% (2007)

69% (2006)
The state average for Science was 49% in 2009.
English Language Arts

67% (2009)

59% (2008)

70% (2007)

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

50% (2009)

49% (2008)

48% (2007)

49% (2006)
The state average for Math was 54% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 6
English Language Arts

66% (2009)

74% (2008)

63% (2007)

74% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 66% in 2009.
Math

45% (2009)

52% (2008)

49% (2007)

37% (2006)
The state average for Math was 57% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 7
English Language Arts

77% (2009)

71% (2008)

76% (2007)
The state average for English Language Arts was 70% in 2009.
Math

53% (2009)

49% (2008)

33% (2007)
The state average for Math was 49% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 8
Science

47% (2009)

35% (2008)

49% (2007)

37% (2006)
The state average for Science was 39% in 2009.
English Language Arts

74% (2009)

75% (2008)

76% (2007)

80% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 78% in 2009.
Math

59% (2009)

46% (2008)

47% (2007)

43% (2006)
The state average for Math was 48% 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