Scale: % at or above proficient
Grade 5
Science

26% (2009)

27% (2008)

18% (2007)

34% (2006)
The state average for Science was 49% in 2009.
English Language Arts

58% (2009)

43% (2008)

40% (2007)

33% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 63% in 2009.
Math

46% (2009)

51% (2008)

35% (2007)

22% (2006)
The state average for Math was 54% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 6
English Language Arts

55% (2009)

61% (2008)

59% (2007)

45% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 66% in 2009.
Math

62% (2009)

49% (2008)

49% (2007)

27% (2006)
The state average for Math was 57% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 7
English Language Arts

63% (2009)

71% (2008)

54% (2007)
The state average for English Language Arts was 70% in 2009.
Math

41% (2009)

44% (2008)

30% (2007)
The state average for Math was 49% in 2009.
Source: MA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 8
Science

38% (2009)

23% (2008)

32% (2007)

18% (2006)
The state average for Science was 39% in 2009.
English Language Arts

82% (2009)

67% (2008)

75% (2007)

68% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 78% in 2009.
Math

43% (2009)

37% (2008)

39% (2007)

25% (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