Scale: % at or above proficient
Grade 5
Science

24% (2008)

22% (2007)

32% (2006)
The state average for Science was 50% in 2008.
English Language Arts

34% (2008)

31% (2007)

30% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 61% in 2008.
Math

35% (2008)

36% (2007)

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

44% (2008)

43% (2007)

31% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 67% in 2008.
Math

35% (2008)

28% (2007)

6% (2006)

22% (2005)
The state average for Math was 56% in 2008.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Grade 7
English Language Arts

54% (2008)

44% (2007)

49% (2005)
The state average for English Language Arts was 69% in 2008.
Math

31% (2008)

25% (2007)
The state average for Math was 47% in 2008.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Grade 8
Science

25% (2008)

28% (2007)

15% (2006)
The state average for Science was 39% in 2008.
English Language Arts

57% (2008)

54% (2007)

53% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 75% in 2008.
Math

26% (2008)

28% (2007)

12% (2006)

14% (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