Scale: % at or above proficient
Grade 5
Reading

54% (2009)

57% (2008)

53% (2007)

52% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 65% in 2009.
Writing

41% (2009)

51% (2008)

64% (2007)

60% (2006)
The state average for Writing was 58% in 2009.
Math

58% (2009)

58% (2008)

68% (2007)

62% (2006)
The state average for Math was 74% in 2009.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 6
Reading

79% (2009)

80% (2008)

69% (2007)

67% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 68% in 2009.
Math

71% (2009)

61% (2008)

73% (2007)

68% (2006)
The state average for Math was 76% in 2009.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 7
Reading

82% (2009)

77% (2008)

70% (2007)

69% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 71% in 2009.
Math

68% (2009)

73% (2008)

66% (2007)

72% (2006)
The state average for Math was 75% in 2009.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 8
Reading

85% (2009)

77% (2008)

74% (2007)

70% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 81% in 2009.
Science

61% (2009)
The state average for Science was 55% in 2009.
Writing

76% (2009)

75% (2008)

87% (2007)

81% (2006)
The state average for Writing was 71% in 2009.
Math

71% (2009)

69% (2008)

80% (2007)

62% (2006)
The state average for Math was 71% 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