Scale: % at or above proficient
Grade 5
Reading

21% (2008)

8% (2007)

51% (2006)

40% (2005)
The state average for Reading was 62% in 2008.
Writing

4% (2008)

3% (2007)

16% (2006)
The state average for Writing was 57% in 2008.
Math

45% (2008)

37% (2007)

62% (2006)

48% (2005)
The state average for Math was 73% in 2008.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Grade 6
Reading

25% (2008)

18% (2007)

12% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 67% in 2008.
Math

36% (2008)

30% (2007)

27% (2006)
The state average for Math was 72% in 2008.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Grade 7
Reading

26% (2008)

21% (2007)

19% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 70% in 2008.
Math

36% (2008)

31% (2007)

21% (2006)
The state average for Math was 71% in 2008.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Grade 8
Reading

80% (2008)

35% (2007)

49% (2006)

57% (2005)
The state average for Reading was 78% in 2008.
Writing

14% (2008)

22% (2007)

34% (2006)
The state average for Writing was 69% in 2008.
Math

74% (2008)

34% (2007)

55% (2006)

59% (2005)
The state average for Math was 70% 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