Scale: % at or above proficient
Grade 7
Reading

61% (2008)

70% (2007)

66% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 70% in 2008.
Math

61% (2008)

70% (2007)

70% (2006)
The state average for Math was 71% in 2008.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Grade 8
Reading

79% (2008)

77% (2007)

77% (2006)

70% (2005)
The state average for Reading was 78% in 2008.
Writing

51% (2008)

46% (2007)

32% (2006)
The state average for Writing was 69% in 2008.
Math

77% (2008)

78% (2007)

77% (2006)

65% (2005)
The state average for Math was 70% in 2008.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Grade 11
Reading

82% (2008)

55% (2007)

55% (2006)

60% (2005)
The state average for Reading was 65% in 2008.
Writing

83% (2008)

71% (2007)

93% (2006)

36% (2005)
The state average for Writing was 86% in 2008.
Math

80% (2008)

41% (2007)

46% (2006)

28% (2005)
The state average for Math was 56% 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