Scale: % at or above proficient
Grade 3
Reading

91% (2009)

93% (2008)

79% (2007)

86% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 77% in 2009.
Math

87% (2009)

86% (2008)

83% (2007)

93% (2006)
The state average for Math was 82% in 2009.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 4
Reading

94% (2009)

85% (2008)

90% (2007)

94% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 73% in 2009.
Science

97% (2009)
The state average for Science was 83% in 2009.
Math

93% (2009)

89% (2008)

93% (2007)

97% (2006)
The state average for Math was 82% in 2009.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 5
Reading

79% (2009)

78% (2008)

89% (2007)

83% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 65% in 2009.
Writing

85% (2009)

71% (2008)

91% (2007)

44% (2006)
The state average for Writing was 58% in 2009.
Math

88% (2009)

83% (2008)

95% (2007)

94% (2006)
The state average for Math was 74% 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