Scale: % at or above proficient
Grade 3
Reading

81% (2008)

82% (2007)

71% (2006)

75% (2005)
The state average for Reading was 77% in 2008.
Math

84% (2008)

88% (2007)

88% (2006)

88% (2005)
The state average for Math was 81% in 2008.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Grade 4
Reading

76% (2008)

84% (2007)

73% (2006)
The state average for Reading was 70% in 2008.
Math

87% (2008)

89% (2007)

94% (2006)
The state average for Math was 80% in 2008.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Grade 5
Reading

65% (2008)

72% (2007)

56% (2006)

62% (2005)
The state average for Reading was 62% in 2008.
Writing

61% (2008)

72% (2007)

43% (2006)
The state average for Writing was 57% in 2008.
Math

82% (2008)

87% (2007)

64% (2006)

60% (2005)
The state average for Math was 73% in 2008.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
About the Tests
- In 2007-2008 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 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