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

48% (2007)

37% (2006)

46% (2005)

54% (2004)
The state average for English Language Arts was 59% in 2007.
Math

56% (2007)

57% (2006)
The state average for Math was 60% in 2007.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2006-2007
Grade 4
English Language Arts

48% (2007)

11% (2006)

22% (2005)

24% (2004)
The state average for English Language Arts was 56% in 2007.
Math

33% (2007)

17% (2006)

24% (2005)

12% (2004)
The state average for Math was 48% in 2007.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2006-2007
Grade 5
Science

44% (2007)

41% (2006)
The state average for Science was 51% in 2007.
English Language Arts

41% (2007)

62% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 63% in 2007.
Math

24% (2007)

35% (2006)
The state average for Math was 51% in 2007.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2006-2007
Grade 6
English Language Arts

61% (2007)

29% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 67% in 2007.
Math

55% (2007)

6% (2006)

23% (2005)

39% (2004)
The state average for Math was 52% in 2007.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2006-2007
Grade 7
English Language Arts

41% (2007)

65% (2006)

65% (2005)

32% (2004)
The state average for English Language Arts was 69% in 2007.
Math

12% (2007)

35% (2006)
The state average for Math was 46% in 2007.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2006-2007
Grade 8
Science

5% (2007)

22% (2006)
The state average for Science was 33% in 2007.
English Language Arts

80% (2007)

100% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 75% in 2007.
Math

35% (2007)

50% (2006)

31% (2005)

36% (2004)
The state average for Math was 45% in 2007.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2006-2007
About the Tests
- In 2006-2007 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