Scale: % at or above proficient
Grade 5
Science

66% (2009)

69% (2008)

74% (2007)

63% (2006)
The state average for Science was 49% in 2009.
English Language Arts

84% (2009)

71% (2008)

83% (2007)

73% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 63% in 2009.
Math

70% (2009)

60% (2008)

61% (2007)

41% (2006)
The state average for Math was 54% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 6
English Language Arts

70% (2009)

80% (2008)

68% (2007)

78% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 66% in 2009.
Math

66% (2009)

71% (2008)

44% (2007)

43% (2006)
The state average for Math was 57% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 7
English Language Arts

88% (2009)

83% (2008)

81% (2007)
The state average for English Language Arts was 70% in 2009.
Math

63% (2009)

49% (2008)

43% (2007)
The state average for Math was 49% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 8
Science

66% (2009)

63% (2008)

52% (2007)

54% (2006)
The state average for Science was 39% in 2009.
English Language Arts

89% (2009)

90% (2008)

83% (2007)

90% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 78% in 2009.
Math

51% (2009)

45% (2008)

50% (2007)

46% (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