Scale: % at or above proficient
Grade 8
Reading

81% (2009)

79% (2008)

78% (2007)

81% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 81% in 2009.
Science

64% (2009)
The state average for Science was 55% in 2009.
Writing

85% (2009)

84% (2008)

82% (2007)

84% (2006)
The state average for Writing was 71% in 2009.
Math

72% (2009)

64% (2008)

66% (2007)

69% (2006)
The state average for Math was 71% in 2009.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 11
Reading

73% (2009)

67% (2008)

60% (2007)

44% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 65% in 2009.
Science

41% (2009)
The state average for Science was 40% in 2009.
Writing

87% (2009)

80% (2008)

83% (2007)

77% (2006)
The state average for Writing was 83% in 2009.
Math

69% (2009)

63% (2008)

39% (2007)

42% (2006)
The state average for Math was 56% in 2009.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
About the Tests
- In 2008-2009 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, science 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