Scale: % at or above proficient
Grade 4
Reading

78% (2008)

72% (2007)

81% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 70% in 2008.
Math

89% (2008)

83% (2007)

91% (2006)
The state average for Math was 80% in 2008.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Grade 5
Reading

60% (2008)

73% (2007)

77% (2006)

67% (2005)
The state average for Reading was 62% in 2008.
Writing

63% (2008)

76% (2007)

67% (2006)
The state average for Writing was 57% in 2008.
Math

77% (2008)

82% (2007)

76% (2006)

73% (2005)
The state average for Math was 73% in 2008.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Grade 6
Reading

68% (2008)

74% (2007)

76% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 67% in 2008.
Math

84% (2008)

88% (2007)

81% (2006)
The state average for Math was 72% in 2008.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
About the Tests
- In 2007-2008 Pennsylvania used the Pennsylvania System of State Assessments (PSSA) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in math and reading, in grades 5, 8 and 11 in writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 11 in science.
- The results for reading, writing and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles.
- The scores reflect the performance of students enrolled for the full academic year.
- The PSSA is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Pennsylvania.
- The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test.
Testing in Pennsylvania: An Overview
See Pennsylvania's state standards
Compare with test results from nearby schools