Scale: % at or above proficient
Grade 3
Reading

59% (2008)

50% (2007)

52% (2006)

40% (2005)
The state average for Reading was 77% in 2008.
Math

65% (2008)

70% (2007)

78% (2006)

61% (2005)
The state average for Math was 81% in 2008.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Grade 4
Reading

62% (2008)

56% (2007)

48% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 70% in 2008.
Math

77% (2008)

75% (2007)

72% (2006)
The state average for Math was 80% in 2008.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Grade 5
Reading

49% (2008)

50% (2007)

41% (2006)

39% (2005)
The state average for Reading was 62% in 2008.
Writing

29% (2008)

33% (2007)

30% (2006)
The state average for Writing was 57% in 2008.
Math

59% (2008)

52% (2007)

49% (2006)

44% (2005)
The state average for Math was 73% in 2008.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Grade 6
Reading

56% (2008)

61% (2007)

51% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 67% in 2008.
Math

63% (2008)

69% (2007)

56% (2006)
The state average for Math was 72% in 2008.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Grade 7
Reading

69% (2008)

60% (2007)

61% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 70% in 2008.
Math

69% (2008)

51% (2007)

68% (2006)
The state average for Math was 71% in 2008.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Grade 8
Reading

82% (2008)

64% (2007)

53% (2006)

74% (2005)
The state average for Reading was 78% in 2008.
Writing

69% (2008)

65% (2007)

37% (2006)
The state average for Writing was 69% in 2008.
Math

66% (2008)

56% (2007)

50% (2006)

74% (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