Assessment/Accountability
Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System

MCAS Performance Level Definitions

Student results on MCAS tests are reported according to the following performance levels:

The performance level definitions below, which apply across subject areas and grade levels, are used as a basis for determining the minimum score for each of the performance levels on each of the MCAS tests. Also linked below are definitions of performance levels for each content area tested. The general and content-specific definitions are meant to help teachers, students, parents, and others understand the meaning of the MCAS results.

General Performance Level Definitions

Advanced (Grades 4-10)

Students at this level demonstrate a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of rigorous subject matter, and provide sophisticated solutions to complex problems.

Above Proficient (Grade 3)

Students at this level demonstrate mastery of challenging subject matter and construct solutions to challenging problems.

Proficient (Grades 3-10)

Students at this level demonstrate a solid understanding of challenging subject matter and solve a wide variety of problems.

Needs Improvement (Grades 3-10)

Students at this level demonstrate a partial understanding of subject matter and solve some simple problems.

Warning (Grades 3-8)/Failing (Grade 10)

Students at this level demonstrate a minimal understanding of subject matter and do not solve simple problems.

Content-Specific Performance Level Definitions

	English Language Arts Grade 3
	English Language Arts Grades 4-10
	Mathematics
	Science and Technology/Engineering (Grades 5 and 8)
	High School Technology/Engineering
	High School Biology
	High School Chemistry
	High School Introductory Physics