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

56% (2008)

45% (2007)

38% (2006)

51% (2005)
The state average for English Language Arts was 56% in 2008.
Math

61% (2008)

41% (2007)

30% (2006)
The state average for Math was 61% in 2008.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Grade 4
English Language Arts

37% (2008)

20% (2007)

31% (2006)

36% (2005)
The state average for English Language Arts was 49% in 2008.
Math

37% (2008)

17% (2007)

14% (2006)

25% (2005)
The state average for Math was 49% in 2008.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Grade 5
Science

30% (2008)

29% (2007)

35% (2006)
The state average for Science was 50% in 2008.
English Language Arts

38% (2008)

56% (2007)

48% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 61% in 2008.
Math

31% (2008)

26% (2007)

18% (2006)
The state average for Math was 52% in 2008.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Grade 6
English Language Arts

81% (2008)

77% (2007)

66% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 67% in 2008.
Math

36% (2008)

39% (2007)

30% (2006)

39% (2005)
The state average for Math was 56% in 2008.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Grade 7
English Language Arts

87% (2008)

69% (2007)

59% (2005)
The state average for English Language Arts was 69% in 2008.
Math

48% (2008)

36% (2007)
The state average for Math was 47% in 2008.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Grade 8
Science

34% (2008)

17% (2007)

30% (2006)
The state average for Science was 39% in 2008.
English Language Arts

69% (2008)

76% (2007)

67% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 75% in 2008.
Math

36% (2008)

45% (2007)

34% (2006)

13% (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