Scale: % at or above proficient
Grade 3
English Language Arts
55% (2009)
50% (2008)
43% (2007)
36% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 57% in 2009.
Math
59% (2009)
47% (2008)
25% (2007)
27% (2006)
The state average for Math was 60% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 4
English Language Arts
45% (2009)
24% (2008)
38% (2007)
35% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 53% in 2009.
Math
36% (2009)
14% (2008)
18% (2007)
24% (2006)
The state average for Math was 48% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 5
Science
29% (2009)
26% (2008)
30% (2007)
21% (2006)
The state average for Science was 49% in 2009.
English Language Arts
53% (2009)
40% (2008)
41% (2007)
37% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 63% in 2009.
Math
27% (2009)
23% (2008)
20% (2007)
17% (2006)
The state average for Math was 54% 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
