Scale: % at or above proficient
Grade 7
Reading

78% (2008)

74% (2007)

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

85% (2008)

76% (2007)

70% (2006)
The state average for Math was 71% in 2008.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Grade 8
Reading

80% (2008)

89% (2007)

75% (2006)

68% (2005)
The state average for Reading was 78% in 2008.
Writing

85% (2008)

93% (2007)

88% (2006)
The state average for Writing was 69% in 2008.
Math

78% (2008)

78% (2007)

66% (2006)

72% (2005)
The state average for Math was 70% in 2008.
Source: PA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008
Grade 11
Reading

67% (2008)

69% (2007)

58% (2006)

72% (2005)
The state average for Reading was 65% in 2008.
Writing

92% (2008)

92% (2007)

79% (2006)

64% (2005)
The state average for Writing was 86% in 2008.
Math

63% (2008)

47% (2007)

50% (2006)

58% (2005)
The state average for Math was 56% 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