Performance Levels on the Legacy Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) Tests

Performance Levels

Student results on all legacy STE MCAS tests are reported according to these performance levels:

• Advanced
• Proficient
• Needs Improvement
• Warning/Failing

Performance Level Definitions

The performance level definitions, which apply across all 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 legacy MCAS tests.

Advanced

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

Proficient

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

Needs Improvement

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

Warning (Grades 3–8)/Failing (High School)

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

STE Subject-Specific Performance Level Descriptors

The subject-specific performance level descriptors are intended to help educators, students, and parents/guardians understand the meaning of the MCAS results.

• High School Biology

• High School Chemistry

• High School Introductory Physics

• High School Technology/Engineering

Last Updated: October 24, 2022