Scale: % at or above proficient
Grade 7
Reading

64% (2009)

77% (2008)

85% (2007)

78% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 71% in 2009.
Math

79% (2009)

73% (2008)

72% (2007)

78% (2006)
The state average for Math was 75% in 2009.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 8
Reading

87% (2009)

85% (2008)

82% (2007)

90% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 81% in 2009.
Science

65% (2009)
The state average for Science was 55% in 2009.
Writing

72% (2009)

71% (2008)

78% (2007)

89% (2006)
The state average for Writing was 71% in 2009.
Math

63% (2009)

61% (2008)

65% (2007)

70% (2006)
The state average for Math was 71% in 2009.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 11
Reading

81% (2009)

81% (2008)

76% (2007)

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

43% (2009)
The state average for Science was 40% in 2009.
Writing

96% (2009)

89% (2008)

94% (2007)

89% (2006)
The state average for Writing was 83% in 2009.
Math

60% (2009)

55% (2008)

57% (2007)

59% (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