Scale: % at or above proficient
Grade 6
Reading

36% (2009)

26% (2008)

45% (2007)

39% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 68% in 2009.
Math

36% (2009)

30% (2008)

67% (2007)

52% (2006)
The state average for Math was 76% in 2009.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 7
Reading

33% (2009)

50% (2008)

49% (2007)

50% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 71% in 2009.
Math

33% (2009)

48% (2008)

49% (2007)

36% (2006)
The state average for Math was 75% in 2009.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 8
Reading

78% (2009)

43% (2008)

61% (2007)

38% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 81% in 2009.
Science

11% (2009)
The state average for Science was 55% in 2009.
Writing

73% (2009)

69% (2008)

83% (2007)

87% (2006)
The state average for Writing was 71% in 2009.
Math

32% (2009)

25% (2008)

44% (2007)

44% (2006)
The state average for Math was 71% in 2009.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 11
Reading

36% (2009)

22% (2008)

35% (2007)

17% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 65% in 2009.
Science

14% (2009)
The state average for Science was 40% in 2009.
Writing

62% (2009)

71% (2008)

73% (2007)

91% (2006)
The state average for Writing was 83% in 2009.
Math

24% (2009)

22% (2008)

27% (2007)

8% (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